bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and support for undemocratic politicians
Authors: Christensen Henrik Serup , Hansen Michael A. , Saikkonen Inga
Published: July 2024

Several studies have examined whether attitudinal factors make people more willing to accept political elites violating basic democratic norms. However, the role of more basic socio-demographic characteristics, such as gender, remains underexplored. This may be a mistake, as studies suggest that these influence the evaluation of democratic transgressions. We focus on the role of gender in evaluations of democratic transgressions and re-examine data from two conjoint experiments conducted in Finland. We examine whether the gender of the politician violating democratic norms matters, whether the gender of the person judging the democratic violations matters, and whether it matters for the evaluation of the democratic violation when both the candidate and the respondent are of the same gender. Our results indicate that gender plays at best a limited role, as we find no evidence that candidate gender or the gender of the respondent matters for the evaluations.
Football finds alt-finance: can GPE locate leisure?
Authors: Campbell-Verduyn Malcolm
Published: July 2024

This commentary calls for GPE to reconsider its neglect of leisure. It traces growing overlaps between leisure and digital economies through the case of fintech in men’s elite football, focusing on the growing issuance of blockchain-based digital tokens by clubs and leagues worldwide since 2018. The fan token example is used to illustrate how locating seemingly esoteric developments more widely in digitisation trends politicises leisure activities. It suggests that a focus on infrastructuring and governing in particular may help draw attention to the politics of contemporary transnational activities that blur the boundaries between sectors as well as work/leisure in the digital age.
Inteligencia emocional, estrés percibido y uso del Smartphone en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Sánchez-Zafra María , Sanabrias Moreno Déborah , Zagalaz-Sánchez María Luisa , Cachón-Zagalaz Javier
Published: July 2024

Los estudiantes universitarios se ven sometidos a situaciones estresantes que pueden suponer un reto mental para ellos, afectando a su inteligencia emocional y a su nivel de estrés. El smartphone se ha convertido en un elemento imprescindible en su vida y puede que afecte a distintos ámbitos de su día a día. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la inteligencia emocional y el nivel de estrés de los universitarios de España, comparando ambos factores entre sí y con el nivel de uso de los teléfonos móviles. La muestra está compuesta por 637 participantes (433 mujeres y 204 varones), con una edad media de 23.44 años. Se han utilizado tres cuestionarios validados más algunas preguntas de carácter sociodemográfico. Los resultados muestran que hay relación entre todas las variables analizadas. Se concluye que las mujeres presentan mejor atención emocional y los hombres mejor reparación de las emociones. También son ellas las que presentan mayores niveles de estrés percibido y un mejor afrontamiento del mismo. El uso del smartphone influye en todas las dimensiones de la inteligencia emocional y en el Estrés percibido. Existen correlaciones entre todas las variables de la inteligencia emocional y del Estrés percibido.
Malestar psicológico y envejecimiento: Análisis psicométrico del DASS-21 y relaciones estructurales con calidad de sueño y apoyo social.
Authors: Cancino Vicente , Terán-Mendoza Oscar , Medina-Valdebenito Damián
Published: July 2024

El DASS-21 es un cuestionario que permite medir el malestar psicológico relacionado con síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés; se ha utilizado principalmente en niños y adolescentes siendo escasa la evidencia respecto a su uso en personas mayores. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las propiedades psicométricas de este instrumento a través del análisis de su estructura factorial y relación con medidas de apoyo social percibido y calidad del sueño en una muestra de adultos y personas mayores chilenas. El modelo bifactor es el que mejor se ajusta a los datos [χ² (85) = 264.365, p < .001; CFI = .984; TLI = .980; RMSEA = .043 (IC90% .033 – .053); SRMR = .045], a partir del cual se puede evidenciar que la mayor proporción de varianza es explicada por el factor general. Además, mediante modelos de ecuaciones estructurales se evidenció que la variable latente de malestar psicológico se relaciona de manera inversa con la calidad de sueño y recibe un efecto directo significativo del apoyo social percibido. En conclusión, el DASS-21 es un instrumento válido, confiable y de sencilla aplicación, que puede ser utilizado en adultos y personas mayores tanto en investigación como en el abordaje clínico primario.
Intervención para la enseñanza de la escritura de palabras y textos. Estudio comparativo en Argentina
Authors: Marder Sandra , Jaquenod Rocio Guadalupe
Published: July 2024

Los datos de reportes regionales y nacionales sugieren que la escritura de textos resulta una problemática menos estudiada, aunque muy claramente reportada por los docentes como área de profunda dificultad en los alumnos.
El presente estudio tiene como objetivo explorar los resultados de la intervención del programa de desarrollo integral y alfabetización “QA” en la escritura de palabras y textos de un grupo de alumnos de primer y segundo año de primaria de Argentina y, comparar los resultados, con un grupo de la misma escuela que ha recibido un tipo de enseñanza basada en la perspectiva del Whole language.
Para ello, se realizó un diseño exploratorio y longitudinal en el que se evaluó la escritura de palabras y textos pre (al inicio de primer grado) y post intervención (antes de finalizar ese año y a mediados de segundo grado). Entre las diferencias encontradas entre los grupos se destacan, a favor del grupo intervenido, una mejora en los procesos básicos de transcripción (escritura de palabras con complejidad silábica, mayor longitud y baja frecuencia), un incremento en la cantidad de palabras utilizadas en la producción textual, una mejor legibilidad, puntuación y la presencia de marcadores temporales. En la narración, los eventos se relacionan de manera cohesiva y se componen en la mayoría de los casos de una escena, una orientación, una complicación y un desenlace. De dichos resultados se desprende que, para lograr desempeños  adecuados en la producción escrita de los alumnos, es fundamental la intervención sistemática en la enseñanza de la escritura que aborde todos los aspectos incluidos en el programa presentado, a partir de la formación docente y la enseñanza planificada.
Hakka Blues and Jazz: The Inspiration of Black Music in the Hakka Taiwanese Musical Revitalization Movement in Postdictatorial Taiwan
Authors: Feng Mark Hsiang-Yu
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This article discusses the influence of African American blues and jazz on the Hakka Taiwanese musical revitalization movement since the late 1990s. Case studies examine the discourse and materialization of two types of musical fusion, namely Hakka blues and Hakka jazz, by Sanguetai (1997–2007) and Sanguetaihousheng (2008– present). Their performances express appreciation for Black music and advance diversity and inclusion in Taiwan; furthermore, they allow the musicians to articulate their resistance against the status quo and elevate the social status of sango . Black music has a decisive position in the development of neotraditional Hakka Taiwanese music .
Fighting the Disease or Manipulating the Data? Democracy, State Capacity, and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Knutsen Carl Henrik , Kolvani Palina
Published: July 2024

abstract: In this article, the authors discuss and analyze how regime type and state capacity shape the abilities and incentives of political leaders to respond to covid-19. They suggest that a complementary relationship exists between democracy and state capacity, both in terms of mitigating the adverse consequences of the pandemic, such as deaths, and the honest reporting of these consequences. Using a recent global data set on officially reported covid-19 deaths and estimated deaths based on excess mortality, the authors present evidence that supports different implications from their argument. Empirically, democracies have much higher officially reported death tolls than do autocracies, a result driven by underreporting in autocracies. In high-capacity states, democracies have fewer covid-19 deaths than do autocracies. State capacity generally seems to mitigate both deaths and underreporting, but these relationships are stronger in democracies. Countries that combine democracy with high state capacity experience fewer covid-19 deaths and provide more accurate tolls of the pandemic’s consequences.
Characteristics of atmospheric temperature in the vicinity of the Hefei area based on Rayleigh lidar
Authors: Qiu Feng , Wang Jie , Yuan Kee , Li Shenbo
Published: July 2024

Temperature is an extremely important meteorological parameter in atmospheric research. Accurate measurements of it are of profound significance for studying global greenhouse effects, meteorological forecasting, and other related aspects. Processing and statistical analysis were conducted on the temperature data observed throughout 2021 by the self-developed L1000 Rayleigh lidar. Comparison analyses were subsequently carried out with data from the U.S. Standard Atmosphere Model and satellite observations, revealing good consistency in trend and magnitude between the lidar and both counterparts. Statistical analysis of the time–space evolution characteristics of the atmospheric temperature of the vicinity of the Hefei area was performed at night, in the month, and in the quarter. We found the monthly average atmospheric temperature exhibits a distinct altitudinal structure of time–space change, with the highest temperature being spatially located in the 48–51 km region and the temperature range being 240–272 K. Within the temperature rise range for 20–49 km, temperature profiles across different months also exhibit consistent trends. Temporally, temperatures are lowest in October and highest in August, gradually rising from March to August and declining from August to October, with a slight increase from October to November. Compared to monthly temperature profiles, seasonal temperature profiles exhibit stable variation trends, with the highest temperatures observed in the 49–50 km region, ranging from 251–270 K. Spring, autumn, and winter temperature profiles intertwine, while the summer temperature profile notably surpasses those of the other three seasons, demonstrating a distinct seasonal variation trend.
Potential multi-parametric OFDR system based on the wavelength-division cross-correlation method
Authors: Li Shuai , Yang Xiyu , Zhang Botong , Qu Shuai , Xu Yanping , Liu Zhaojun , Qin Zengguang
Published: July 2024

In this study, an optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR) system for simultaneous measurement of temperature, strain, and relative humidity (RH) based on the wavelength-division cross-correlation method is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The Rayleigh scattered spectrum shifts introduced by environmental changes can be demodulated by the cross-correlation operation, and the magnitude of the shifts exhibits variability in distinct wavelength subregions. Leveraging the distinct sensitivity characteristics of different parameters across different wavelength subregions, simultaneous multi-parameter decoupling can be achieved. In the signal processing flow, the frequency domain signals in different wavelength subregions are intercepted, and then the cross-correlation operation is performed separately to obtain the spectrum shift information in different wavelength subregions. The decoupling matrix is constructed to realize the decoupling of the three parameters based on the sensitivity differences of temperature, strain, and RH in different wavelength subregions. This novel and simple multi-parameter sensing system, to the best of our knowledge, has potential applications in engineering monitoring, chemical applications, and environmental measurements.
Subwavelength confinement in an all-dielectric slot waveguide with bound states in the continuum for ultrahigh-Q microresonators
Authors: Zhong Ping , Jiang Peng , Yuan Chenchen , Liu Hanyue , Gu Zhiyuan
Published: July 2024

Bound state in the continuum (BIC) has been considered a promising strategy to reduce fabrication complexity and radiative loss. Despite the successful demonstration of many BIC-based configurations, their mode confinement is comparable to conventional dielectric waveguides. Even though plasmonics with strong light localization have been introduced into BICs, the intrinsic ohmic loss is still a facing challenge to be conquered. Herein, we propose a new approach, to our knowledge for the first time, that integrates subwavelength confinement and optical BIC in all dielectric slot waveguides. A nanogap with low refractive index is utilized to separate the top waveguide and high-index substrate, leading to strong mode localization and energy confinement (∼ λ2/30). Surprisingly, leveraging on the concept of optical BICs, the leakage channels of the waveguide bound mode can be readily engineered to cancel each other through destructive interference, which effectively suppresses the optical dissipation. Moreover, the subwavelength confinement is observed in ultrahigh-Q microring resonators, resulting in a giant enhancement of the Purcell factor (> 108). Our findings introduce a new concept into the BIC family and provide novel thoughts to design BIC photonics, which may show superiority in achieving low threshold lasers and highly sensitive sensors.
Adaptive feedback control for intelligent phase noise suppression in a figure-9 fiber laser
Authors: Tong Lai-Yuan , Zhu Qi-Bin , Li Ti-Jian , Zhang Zhen-Rong , Luo Ai-Ping , Liu Meng , Luo Zhi-Chao
Published: July 2024

Phase noise characteristics of ultrafast fiber lasers are critical to practical applications, such as high-resolution photonics sampling. Herein, we investigated the impact of pump power and linear phase shift difference of counter-propagating light in the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror on phase noise suppression in a figure-9 fiber laser. Based on these results, we proposed a method for intelligent suppression of phase noise through real-time feedback control. By adaptively controlling the linear phase shift difference and pump power, the phase noise can be effectively suppressed in the high offset frequency region even in variable environments. In particular, a reduction of ∼21.40% of integrated timing jitter in the offset frequency region from 10 kHz to 1 MHz was achieved. Our approach was proved to be effective and automatic to obtain ultrafast lasers with low phase noise and may also facilitate the related applications.
Transparent Ce3+-doped fluorapatite (FAP) ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS)
Authors: Yousuf Abu , Ohno Tomoya , Xu Jian , Nakanishi Takayuki , Morita Koji , Kim Byung-Nam , Suzuki Tohru S. , Furuse Hiroaki
Published: July 2024

Polycrystalline Ce3+-doped fluorapatite (Ce:FAP) transparent ceramics with fine microstructures were fabricated through liquid-phase synthesis for the initial powder and spark plasma sintering (SPS) for full densification. These ceramics were confirmed to have a single-phase crystal structure, and the average grain sizes were determined to be 139 and 135 nm for the 1 and 2 at.% Ce-doping concentrations, respectively. Their emission spectra revealed that the fabricated ceramics convert UV light to visible light emission due to the 5d→4f electronic transition of Ce3+. These ceramics are expected to be useful in photonic applications.
The First Generative AI Prompt-A-Thon in Healthcare: A Novel Approach to Workforce Engagement with a Private Instance of ChatGPT
Authors: Small William R. , Malhotra Kiran , Major Vincent J. , Wiesenfeld Batia , Lewis Marisa , Grover Himanshu , Tang Huming , Banerjee Arnab , Jabbour Michael J. , Aphinyanaphongs Yindalon , Testa Paul , Austrian Jonathan S.
Published: July 2024

Background

Healthcare crowdsourcing events (e.g. hackathons) facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage innovation. Peer-reviewed research has not yet considered a healthcare crowdsourcing event focusing on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), which generates text in response to detailed prompts and has vast potential for improving the efficiency of healthcare organizations. Our event, the New York University Langone Health (NYULH) Prompt-a-thon, primarily sought to inspire and build AI fluency within our diverse NYULH community, and foster collaboration and innovation. Secondarily, we sought to analyze how participants’ experience was influenced by their prior GenAI exposure and whether they received sample prompts during the workshop.

Methods

Executing the event required the assembly of an expert planning committee, who recruited diverse participants, anticipated technological challenges, and prepared the event. The event was composed of didactics and workshop sessions, which educated and allowed participants to experiment with using GenAI on real healthcare data. Participants were given novel “project cards” associated with each dataset that illuminated the tasks GenAI could perform and, for a random set of teams, sample prompts to help them achieve each task (the public repository of project cards can be found at https://github.com/smallw03/NYULH-Generative-AI-Prompt-a-thon-Project-Cards). Afterwards, participants were asked to fill out a survey with 7-point Likert-style questions.

Results

Our event was successful in educating and inspiring hundreds of enthusiastic in-person and virtual participants across our organization on the responsible use of GenAI in a low-cost and technologically feasible manner. All participants responded positively, on average, to each of the survey questions (e.g., confidence in their ability to use and trust GenAI). Critically, participants reported a self-perceived increase in their likelihood of using and promoting colleagues’ use of GenAI for their daily work. No significant differences were seen in the surveys of those who received sample prompts with their project task descriptions

Conclusion

The first healthcare Prompt-a-thon was an overwhelming success, with minimal technological failures, positive responses from diverse participants and staff, and evidence of post-event engagement. These findings will be integral to planning future events at our institution, and to others looking to engage their workforce in utilizing GenAI.
Application and comparison of point-of-care devices for field evaluation of underlying health status of Guatemalan sugarcane workers
Authors: Krisher Lyndsay , Jaramillo Diana , Dye-Robinson Amy , Dally Miranda , Butler-Dawson Jaime , Brindley Stephen , Pilloni Daniel , Cruz Alex , Villarreal Hernandez Karely , Schaeffer Joshua , Adgate John L. , Newman Lee S.
Published: July 2024

With chronic disease prevalence on the rise globally, surveillance and monitoring are critical to improving health outcomes. Point-of-care (POC) testing can facilitate epidemiological research and enhance surveillance systems in limited resource settings, but previous research has identified bias between POC devices and laboratory testing. We compared the performance of two POC blood analyzers, the iSTAT handheld (Abbott, Princeton, NJ, USA) and the StatSensor Creatinine (Nova Biomedical, Waltham, MA, USA) to concurrent blood samples analyzed at a local laboratory that were collected from 89 agricultural workers in Guatemala. We measured creatinine and other measures of underlying health status with the POC and the lab blood samples. Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots, no intercept linear regression models and two-sample t-tests were used to evaluate the agreement between the POC and lab values collected across three study days and to assess differences by study day in a field setting. On average there was no observed difference between the iSTAT and lab creatinine measurements (p = 0.91), regardless of study day. Using lab creatinine as the gold standard, iSTAT creatinine results were more accurate compared to the Statsensor, which showed some bias, especially at higher values. The iSTAT had good agreement with the lab for sodium and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but showed differences for potassium, anion gap, bicarbonate (TCO2), glucose, and hematocrit. In this tropical field setting, the research team devised a protocol to prevent the devices from overheating. In limited resource settings, POC devices carry advantages compared to traditional lab analyses, providing timely results to patients, researchers, and healthcare systems to better evaluate chronic health conditions. Technical challenges due to use of POC devices in high heat and humidity environments can be addressed using a standard protocol for transporting and operating the devices.
Current and lagged associations of meteorological variables and Aedes mosquito indices with dengue incidence in the Philippines
Authors: Cruz Estrella I. , Salazar Ferdinand V. , Aguila Ariza Minelle A. , Villaruel-Jagmis Mary Vinessa , Ramos Jennifer , Paul Richard E.
Published: July 2024

Background

Dengue is an increasing health burden that has spread throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. There is currently no effective vaccine and control is only possible through integrated vector management. Early warning systems (EWS) to alert potential dengue outbreaks are currently being explored but despite showing promise are yet to come to fruition. This study addresses the association of meteorological variables with both mosquito indices and dengue incidences and assesses the added value of additionally using mosquito indices for predicting dengue incidences.

Methodology/Principal findings

Entomological surveys were carried out monthly for 14 months in six sites spread across three environmentally different cities of the Philippines. Meteorological and dengue data were acquired. Non-linear generalized additive models were fitted to test associations of the meteorological variables with both mosquito indices and dengue cases. Rain and the diurnal temperature range (DTR) contributed most to explaining the variation in both mosquito indices and number of dengue cases. DTR and minimum temperature also explained variation in dengue cases occurring one and two months later and may offer potentially useful variables for an EWS. The number of adult mosquitoes did associate with the number of dengue cases, but contributed no additional value to meteorological variables for explaining variation in dengue cases.

Conclusions/Significance

The use of meteorological variables to predict future risk of dengue holds promise. The lack of added value of using mosquito indices confirms several previous studies and given the onerous nature of obtaining such information, more effort should be placed on improving meteorological information at a finer scale to evaluate efficacy in early warning of dengue outbreaks.
In silico design of multi-epitope vaccines against the hantaviruses by integrated structural vaccinology and molecular modeling approaches
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Rauf Sobiah , Khan Abbas , Rasool Samreen , Raza Rabail Zehra , Alshabrmi Fahad M. , Khan Taimoor , Suleman Muhammad , Waheed Yasir , Mohammad Anwar , Agouni Abdelali
Published: July 2024

Hantaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the family Bunyaviridae that causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) worldwide. Currently, there is no effective vaccination or therapy available for the treatment of hantavirus, hence there is a dire need for research to formulate therapeutics for the disease. Computational vaccine designing is currently a highly accurate, time and cost-effective approach for designing effective vaccines against different diseases. In the current study, we shortlisted highly antigenic proteins i.e., envelope, and nucleoprotein from the proteome of hantavirus and subjected to the selection of highly antigenic epitopes to design of next-generation multi-epitope vaccine constructs. A highly antigenic and stable adjuvant was attached to the immune epitopes (T-cell, B-cell, and HTL) to design Env-Vac, NP-Vac, and Com-Vac constructs, which exhibit stronger antigenic, non-allergenic, and favorable physiochemical properties. Moreover, the 3D structures were predicted and docking analysis revealed robust interactions with the human Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) to initiate the immune cascade. The total free energy calculated for Env-Vac, NP-Vac, and Com-Vac was -50.02 kcal/mol, -24.13 kcal/mol, and -62.30 kcal/mol, respectively. In silico cloning, results demonstrated a CAI value for the Env-Vac, NP-Vac, and Com-Vac of 0.957, 0.954, and 0.956, respectively, while their corresponding GC contents were 65.1%, 64.0%, and 63.6%. In addition, the immune simulation results from three doses of shots released significant levels of IgG, IgM, interleukins, and cytokines, as well as antigen clearance over time, after receiving the vaccine and two booster doses. Our vaccines against Hantavirus were found to be highly immunogenic, inducing a robust immune response that demands experimental validation for clinical usage.
Feeling connected but dissimilar to one’s future self reduces the intention-behavior gap
Authors: Ganschow Benjamin , Zebel Sven , van Gelder Jean-Louis , Cornet Liza J. M.
Published: July 2024

The intention-behavior gap is a common phenomenon where people fail to follow through on their intentions to change their behavior and pursue their future goals. Previous research has shown that people are more likely to act in favor of their future selves when they feel similar/connected to their future self and can vividly describe them. This study compared an imagination exercise with an integrated imagination and exposure exercise using virtual reality (VR) to embody age-morphed future selves to an imagination only exercise. We expected that strengthening the similarity/connectedness and the vividness of the future self would reduce the intention-behavior gap, and exposure to the future self would have the greatest effect. Surprisingly, the results showed that strengthening connectedness reduced the intention-behavior gap, but strengthening similarity increased the gap. Additionally, the exercises were equally effective in reducing the intention-behavior gap. These findings suggest that both feeling connected to and recognizing dissimilarity to one’s future self play different roles in future-oriented behavior change.
Prevalence of mortality among mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care units of Ethiopian hospitals and the associated factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayenew Temesgen , Gedfew Mihretie , Fetene Mamaru Getie , Workneh Belayneh Shetie , Telayneh Animut Takele , Edmealem Afework , Tiruneh Bekele Getenet , Yinges Guadie Tewabe , Getie Addisu , Meselu Mengistu Abebe
Published: July 2024

Background

In the intensive care unit (ICU), mechanical ventilation (MV) is a typical way of respiratory support. The severity of the illness raises the likelihood of death in patients who require MV. Several studies have been done in Ethiopia; however, the mortality rate differs among them. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a pooled prevalence of mortality and associated factors among ICU-admitted patients receiving MV in Ethiopian hospitals.

Methods

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 criteria to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis in this study. We searched PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Embase, Hinari, and Web of Science and found 22 articles that met our inclusion criteria. We used a random-effects model. To identify heterogeneity within the included studies, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used. We employed Egger’s regression test and funnel plots for assessing publication bias. STATA version 17.0 software was used for all statistical analyses.

Results

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of mortality among 7507 ICU-admitted patients from 22 articles, who received MV was estimated to be 54.74% [95% CI = 47.93, 61.55]. In the subgroup analysis by region, the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP) subgroup (64.28%, 95% CI = 51.19, 77.37) had the highest prevalence. Patients with COVID-19 have the highest mortality rate (75.80%, 95% CI = 51.10, 100.00). Sepsis (OR = 6.85, 95%CI = 3.24, 14.46), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score<8 (OR = 6.58, 95%CI = 1.96, 22.11), admission with medical cases (OR = 4.12, 95%CI = 2.00, 8.48), Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) (OR = 2.70, 95%CI = 4.11, 12.62), and vasopressor treatment (OR = 19.06, 95%CI = 9.34, 38.88) were all statistically associated with mortality.

Conclusion

Our review found that the pooled prevalence of mortality among mechanically ventilated ICU-admitted patients in Ethiopia was considerably high compared to similar studies in the United States (US), China, and other countries. Sepsis, GCS<8, medical cases, MODS, and use of vasopressors were statistically associated with mortality. Clinicians should exercise caution while mechanically ventilating ICU-admitted patients with these factors. However, it should be noted that the exact cause and effect relationship could not be established with this meta-analysis, as the available evidence is not sufficient. Thus, more studies using prospective methods will be required.
Benfotiamine protects MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease mouse model via activating Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Kai , Han Chao , Yang Jinwei , Xu Wenhao , Wang Lei , Li Huaiyu , Wang Yu
Published: July 2024

The pursuit of drugs and methods to safeguard dopaminergic neurons holds paramount importance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. Benfotiamine (BFT) has demonstrated neuroprotective properties, yet its precise mechanisms in PD remain elusive. This study investigated BFT’s potential protective effects against dopamine neuron damage in a PD animal model and the underlying mechanisms. The PD mouse model was induced by 5 consecutive MPTP injections, followed by BFT intervention for 28 days. Motor deficits were assessed via pole test, hang test, gait analysis, and open field test, while dopaminergic neuron damage was evaluated through Immunofluorescence, Nissl staining, and Western blot analysis of Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) in the substantia nigra and striatum. High Performance Liquid Chromatography quantified dopamine (DA) levels and its metabolites. Genetic pathways were explored using RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis on substantia nigra tissues, confirmed by qPCR. Activation of the Nrf2 pathway was examined through nuclear translocation and expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes HO-1, GCLM, and NQO1 at mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, measurements of MDA content, GSH activity, and SOD activity were taken in the substantia nigra and striatum. BFT administration improved motor function and protected against dopaminergic neuron degeneration in MPTP mice, with partial recovery in TH expression and DA levels. RNA-seq analysis revealed distinct effects of BFT and the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 on Parkinson-related pathways and genes. Control of Nrf2 proved crucial for BFT, as it facilitated Nrf2 movement to the nucleus, upregulating antioxidant genes and enzymes while mitigating oxidative damage. This study elucidates BFT’s neuroprotective effects in a PD mouse model via Nrf2-mediated antioxidant mechanisms and gene expression modulation, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent for PD.
Prevalence of insomnia and associated factors among postpartum mothers in Southern Ethiopia, a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tetema Mesfin Difer , Fikadu Kassahun , Ayele Gistane , Jima Gudeta Beriso , Kebede Berhanu Negesse , Yimer Awol Arega , Abza Legese Fekede , Demissie Mebratu , Mossa Kenzudin Assfa , Mohammed Seid Jemal , Abdo Ayele Sahile , Abera Mangistu
Published: July 2024

Insomnia has become a global public health concern, particularly among postpartum women. Minimal sleep interruption related to newborn care is normally expected, insomnia, however has negative impact during the postpartum period. Although its causes and contributing factors are poorly understood, it has a wide-ranging impact on the mother and her infant. So far, studies in Ethiopia have focused on the general community, neglecting mothers in the postpartum period. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of insomnia and the factors associated with it. A community-based cross-sectional study included 451 study participants who were chosen using a simple random sampling technique. A structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. After entering the data into EpiData version 3.1, it was exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. Variables with a P-value of 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable analyses. Those with a P-value of 0.05 were declared statistically significant in the final model. The current study included 444 mothers in total. Insomnia was prevalent among 23.2% (95% CI: 19.3%, 27.4%) of mothers who had given birth within the previous 12 months. Insomnia was associated with unplanned index pregnancy [AOR = 4.4, 95% CI (2.2, 8.7)], alcohol consumption [AOR = 3.0, 95% CI (1.4, 6.5), low social support [AOR = 9.7, 95% CI (4.4, 21.1)], medium social support [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI (1.1, 4.3)] and depression [AOR = 10.7, 95% CI (5.7, 20.0). A planned index pregnancy, abstaining from alcohol, and recognizing and treating postpartum depression were all advised.
Development and validation of a predictive model for postpartum endometritis
Authors: Wang Xiujuan , Shao Hui , Liu Xueli , Feng Lili
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim was to develop a predictive tool for anticipating postpartum endometritis occurrences and to devise strategies for prevention and control.

Methods

Employing a retrospective approach, the baseline data of 200 women diagnosed with postpartum endometritis in a tertiary maternity hospital in Zhejiang Province, spanning from February 2020 to September 2022, was examined. Simultaneously, the baseline data of 1,000 women without endometritis during the same period were explored with a 1:5 ratio. Subsequently, 1,200 women were randomly allocated into a training group dataset and a test group dataset, adhering to a 7:3 split. The selection of risk factors for postpartum endometritis involved employing random forests, lasso regression, and traditional univariate and multifactor logistic regression on the training group dataset. A nomogram was then constructed based on these factors. The model’s performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC), calculated through plotting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, the Brier score was employed to evaluate the model with a calibration curve. To gauge the utility of the nomogram, a clinical impact curve (CIC) analysis was conducted. This comprehensive approach not only involved identifying risk factors but also included a visual representation (nomogram) and thorough evaluation metrics, ensuring a robust tool for predicting, preventing, and controlling postpartum endometritis.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, six factors were identified as being associated with the occurrence of maternal endometritis in the postpartum period. These factors include the number of negative finger tests (OR: 1.159; 95%CI: 1.091–1.233; P < 0.05), postpartum hemorrhage (1.003; 1.002–1.005; P < 0.05), pre-eclampsia (9.769; 4.64–21.155; P < 0.05), maternity methods (2.083; 1.187–3.7; P < 0.001), prenatal reproductive tract culture (2.219; 1.411–3.47; P < 0.05), and uterine exploration (0.441; 0.233–0.803; P < 0.001).A nomogram was then constructed based on these factors, and its predictive performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC). The results in both the training group data (AUC: 0.803) and the test group data (AUC: 0.788) demonstrated a good predictive value. The clinical impact curve (CIC) further highlighted the clinical utility of the nomogram.

Conclusion

The development of an individualized nomogram for postpartum endometritis infection holds promise for doctors in screening high-risk women, enabling early intervention and ultimately reducing the rate of postpartum endometritis infection. This comprehensive approach, integrating key risk factors and predictive tools, enhances the potential for timely and targeted medical intervention.
Interepidemic xenosurveillance of Japanese encephalitis virus and Zika virus in Culex mosquitoes from Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand
Authors: Surasa Wilasinee , Pientong Chamsai , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Overgaard Hans Jorgen , Aromseree Sirinart , Phanthanawiboon Supranee
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: Some Culex mosquitoes are competent vectors for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), which cause public health problems worldwide, especially in South-east Asia. Xenosurveillance of Culex mosquitoes remains limited compared with other common mosquito-borne diseases. This study aimed to identify JEV and ZIKV in field-caught Culex mosquitoes collected from Ubon Ratchathani province.

Materials and Methods: We investigated the presence of JEV and ZIKV in Culex mosquitoes from two districts in Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand, and examined their role in viral interepidemic circulation. Female Culex mosquitoes (5,587) were collected using a mechanical aspirator from indoors and outdoors. The consensus sequences of the E and NS1 genes of JEV and the E gene of ZIKV were identified using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results: From 335 sample pools that contain a total of 5587 adult female Culex mosquitoes collected from Don Yung, Mueang district (4,406) and Phon Duan, Det Udom district (1,181), none of the collected mosquitoes tested positive for either JEV or ZIKV.

Conclusion: This study did not find JEV and ZIKV in Culex mosquitoes collected from the area of collection, which may be due to the low circulating amount of the virus in the vectors in the area, making it undetectable, or it may be because Culex mosquitoes are not suitable vector for the virus being tested. However, further xenosurveillance study of JEV and ZIKV in mosquito is suggested to prepare for the next outbreak.

Keywords: Culex, Japanese encephalitis virus, Thailand, xenosurveillance, Zika.
A história da construção do modelo de produção tradicional do direito internacional
Authors: Welten Guerra Amina
Published: July 2024

O presente texto tem por objetivo demonstrar como a história do direito internacional e o paradigma científico da modernidade influenciaram a estrutura normativa deste ramo jurídico. Neste sentido, em um primeiro momento percorrer-se-ão as etapas e formação do Estado Moderno, do conceito de soberania e da doutrina positivista apontando ao longo do artigo de que forma tais elementos podem ser redimensionados atualmente. Evidencia-se a episteme mecanicista e os acontecimentos históricos que marcaram o nascimento dos Estados modernos à estrutura dogmática fundante do direito internacional qual a teoria das fontes exposta pelo artigo 38 do Estatuto da Corte Internacional de Justiça. Critica-se a imanência desta concepção jurídica uma vez que atualmente tanto a figura do Estado deve ser revisitada quanto o alcance do seu poder no fazer normativo (internacional). A metodologia empregada é a jurídico-normativa. Utilizam-se dados secundários fruto da doutrina e jurisprudência internacional.
Monumentos do direito internacional: Alberico Gentili e Hugo Grotius na construção de uma disciplina (1875–1886)
Authors: Lacchè Luigi
Published: July 2024

A minha contribuição investiga um evento pouco conhecido na história do Direito Internacional do século XIX. Os monumentos aos quais aludo no título evocam dois eventos ligados entre si: a tentativa, desde 1875, de erguer com fundos arrecadados por toda a Europa um monumento em forma de estátua para celebrar a figura de Alberico Gentili; o início de um movimento análogo para recordar Hugo Grotius. Em 1886, a silhueta de Grotius encontrará seu lugar na praça principal da cidade de Delft, nos Países Baixos, enquanto o pobre Gentili – em cujo nome essa onda de celebração iniciara – só recebeu o próprio monumento em 1908, na praça da cidade de San Ginesio, sua bela pequena cidade natal das Marcas, na Itália. Os eventos singulares conectados a esses dois monumentos parecem interessantes também porque, entre o imaginário coletivo e a realidade, indicam, para nós, certos aspectos importantes na construção do Direito Internacional do século XIX. O Direito Internacional tornou-se uma “ciência” não apenas através da renovação de método, conceitos, propósitos, mas também através da releitura, reexpressão, até determinado ponto através da invenção de tradições, centradas em precursores, fundadores e seguidores; cosmopolitismo, universalismo e nacionalismo; aspirações pacifistas e espíritos coloniais; em resumo, um entrelaçamento contraditório de razões, representações e elementos simbólicos que não devem ser negligenciados.
Essential Drivers of Customer Satisfaction in using Shopee Apps: A Perspective of Logistic Service Dimensions
Authors: Tedjakusuma Adi Prasetyo , Harly Kevin Richard , Andajani Erna
Published: July 2024

This study was motivated by authors’ curiosity to study Shoppe as a booming e-commercecompany, while logistics services are critical for Shopee’s success in term of satisfyingits customers. This study aims to examine how factors of logistic dimensions affectcustomer satisfaction of Shoppe and is basic research. The authors applied a correlationalresearch type with a quantitative approach. The primary data were obtained directly fromrespondents by distributing a questionnaire. They were analyzed using SEM approachand Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software. The results show that of 7hypotheses are supported. All factors of logistics dimensions: availability, delivery time,shipping cost, delivery reliability, product quality and condition, consumer complaintand return policy, and information quality affect customer satisfaction. This implies thatShoppe must make its stocks available, ensure its delivery time on time, pay attentionon its shipping cost, ensure the delivery of goods is in accordance with the conditionsapplied, the product packaging during shipping is not damaged, a simple return policy,provide information that meets expectations to satisfy its consumers. The present studycan shed light on the logistics services dimensions that align with customer expectationsin the e-commerce industry. Understanding these crucial logistics dimensions can enableShopee to better tailor their logistics operations to meet and exceed customer needs,ultimately resulting in satisfaction.
Human resources accounting optimization: A conceptual pathway to improve financial performance
Authors: Sari Juwita , Yani Prawita , Pradhani Fastha Aulia
Published: July 2024

This research discussed HRA’s impact on a company’s financial performance. Human Resource Accounting (HRA) is measured by using 16 indicators, while financial performance uses 4 indicators, which consist of return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), firm size, and leverage ratio. The analytical method used is binary logistic regression. The result shows that none of the HRA indicators affect ROA, while the other three are still affected by HRA indicators. Employment report indicators and other employee benefits in HRA indexes significantly affect ROE. Human resource policy, human resource development fund, and superannuation fund affect firm size the most. The last leverage ratio is significantly affected by human resource policy. This research has implications for manufacturing companies to increase information transparency for investors in the capital market through the sustainability disclosure of periodical HRA reports. Meanwhile, it is recommended that the government take action to encourage HRA disclosure for public companies in Indonesia by making the standards and regulations needed.
Social media vlogs and e-wom on man-made tourism destination: Insights from Indonesia
Authors: Nofrizal Nofrizal , N Arizal
Published: July 2024

The use of social media Vlogs and WOM has not been thoroughly researched to stimu-late the intention to visit tourist destinations, especially man-made destinations. Howev-er, social media is currently an effective promotion and branding tool. The purpose of this study is to test whether e-WOM and social media vlogs have an impact on interest in visiting tourist destinations, whether social media vlogs have an impact on e-WOM, and whether e-WOM can be a moderating variable. The object of research is tourists who have visited man-made destinations in Indonesia, with a total of 414 respondents. Data collection is done through an online survey using Google Forms. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze all hypotheses using SmartPLS 4.0 statistical software. The findings showed that social media vlogs and eWOM effectively drive in-tention to visit artificial tourism destinations, with eWOM positively moderating the relationship between social media vlogs and intention to visit. These results make a sig-nificant contribution to tourism theory and practice in formulating the most appropriate marketing promotion strategy for man-made tourism destinations today.
การพัฒนาทักษะการแก้ปัญหาทางคณิตศาสตร์ของผู้เรียนด้วยการจัดการเรียนรู้โดยใช้เทคนิคการจัดการเรียนรู้แบบแบ่งผลสัมฤทธิ์
Authors: ชวนชม จิรัฐ ,   มหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิต, ตำนานจิตร บุญญลักษณ์ ,   มหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิต
Published: July 2024

บทความวิชาการนี้ต้องการนําเสนอรูปแบบจัดการจัดการสอนของผู้เรียนด้วยการจัดการเรียนรู้โดยใช้เทคนิคการจัดการเรียนรู้แบบแบ่งผลสัมฤทธิ์นตลอดจนการจัดการเรียนการสอนนั้นเป็นการส่งเสริมการพัฒนาการป้องกันและการแก้ไขปัญหาทางคณิตศาสตร์และสถิติให้แก่ผู้เรียน การรู้เรื่องคณิตศาสตร์เป็นทักษะที่จำเป็นในศตวรรษที่ 21 มีความสำคัญต่อการแก้ปัญหาที่เกี่ยวข้องกับคณิตศาสตร์ในชีวิตจริง บุคคลที่จะสามารถแก้ปัญหาได้อย่างมีประสิทธิภาพนั้นจะต้องมีความสามารถในการคิด ตีความและตัดสินใจเกี่ยวกับข้อมูลทางคณิตศาสตร์ในบริบทสถานการณ์ในชีวิตจริง แนวทางการจัดการเรียนการสอนที่น่าสนใจนำมาใช้ในการแก้ปัญหาอีกแนวทางหนึ่งคือการเรียนรู้แบบร่วมมือซึ่งเป็นวิธีการสอนที่สามารถกระตุ้นให้ผู้เรียนมีโอกาสแลกเปลี่ยนเรียนรู้กับเพื่อนและมีความรับผิดชอบร่วมกันทำให้ผลสัมฤทธิ์ดีขึ้นด้วยเทคนิค STAD หรือวิธีสอนแบบร่วมมือด้วยวิธีแบ่งกลุ่มตามผลสัมฤทธิ์ทางการเรียนซึ่งเป็นการเรียนรู้ที่ผสมผสานระหว่างการเรียนรู้แบบร่วมมือและการสอนรายบุคคล จากแนวทางการจัดการเรียนการสอนข้างต้นเป็นอีกเทคนิคหนึ่งของการจัดการเรียนสอนที่มีประสิทธิภาพ ซึ่งเทคนิค STAD เป็นกิจกรรมการเรียนที่ผสมผสานการเรียนรู้ผู้เรียนได้เรียนรู้ซึ่งกันและกันผู้เรียนที่เก่งได้ช่วยเหลือเพื่อนที่อ่อนกว่า ด้วยเหตุนี้การจัดการเรียนรู้ดังกล่าวจึงมีประสิทธิภาพต่อการพัฒนาการป้องกันและการแก้ไขปัญหาทางคณิตศาสตร์และสถิติให้แก่ผู้เรียนโดยจะเป็นการเพิ่มทักษะ การคิดวิเคราะห์ การคิดอย่างมีวิจารณญาณ ความคงทนในการเรียนรู้ ทักษะในการอ่าน ทักษะในการแก้ไขปัญหา ความภาคภูมิใจในตนเอง
Inventariando la Investigación-Creación a través de las Experiencias de Liliana Hurtado Sáenz y Sandra Camacho López
Authors: Ortega Garzón Sandra María
Published: July 2024

Este artículo aborda el tema de la investigación-creación, a partir de las experiencias artísticas y pedagógicas de dos maestras de arte escénico, quienes se han destaca[1]do en la academia por su exploración de los diferentes modos de investigar en el arte, buscando caminos y metodologías que permitan hallar el vínculo intrínseco entre la investigación y la creación. Para ello, se realizaron diferentes entrevistas, tanto a las dos maestras como a otros investigadores conocedores de su trabajo. Se buscó hacer un esbozo de sus trayectorias como investigadoras para descubrir los orígenes de sus metodologías y modos de abordar la investigación-creación, de tal manera que sus experiencias, enfoques y puntos de partida y de llegada contribuyan al acervo documental en la materia.