bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Korelasi Antara Gaya Koping dan Perilaku Asertif Pada Siswa
Authors: Sugara Gian Sugiana , Rahmawati Eka , Muhajirin Muhammad
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research is to determine the correlation between coping styles and assertive behavior in students and the comparison based on gender and to plan coping skills training to increase assertive behavior in students. This research uses a quantitative descriptive approach with a correlational design to reveal the correlation regarding coping styles and assertive behavior in students. The measuring instruments used are an inventory of assertive behavior and an inventory of coping styles. Participants in this research were 220 students. Sampling uses random sampling techniques, that is, all members of the population have the same opportunity to be sampled. The data analysis technique uses the Pearson correlation method to determine the relationship between coping styles and assertive behavior in students. The F-Test technique is used to compare differences in coping styles based on gender. The research results show that men's assertive behavior is higher than women's. There is no difference in adaptive and maladaptive coping styles between men and women.
Pengaruh Gegar Budaya Terhadap Interaksi Sosial dan Penyesuian Diri Mahasiswa Perantau Program Studi Bimbingan dan Konseling
Authors: Permatasari Devi , Sari Eva Kartika Wulan
Published: February 2024

The study aims to describe the level of culture shock, sosial interaction and self-adjustment experienced by overseas students of the Guidance and Counseling study program at PGRI Kanjuruhan University Malang, examine the effect of culture shock on sosial interaction of overseas students, and examine the effect of culture shock on self-adjustment of overseas students. This research uses descriptive correlation quantitative method. The research population was 143 guidance and counseling students from class 2020 to 2022. The research sample was 33 overseas students from outside Java, taken with simple random sampling technique. The instruments used were the Culture Shock Scale developed by researchers with a reliability of 0.798 and the Sosial Interaction Scale developed by researchers with a reliability of 0.734, and the Self-Adjustment Scale developed by researchers with a reliability of 0.726. The conclusion of this study is that there is an influence of culture shock on the sosial interaction of overseas students, and there is an influence of culture shock on the self-adjustment of overseas students.
HISTÓRICO E PANORAMA DAS MULHERES NA PERÍCIA OFICIAL CRIMINAL (ODONTOLEGISTA) NO BRASIL
Authors: Carneiro Souza Gomes Renata , Dietrichkeit Pereira Julia Gabriela , Ferreira Silva Rhonan , Silva Ricardo Henrique Alves da
Published: February 2024

A Odontologia Legal é uma especialidade marcada historicamente por muitas figuras “paternas”, mas pouco é abordado sobre a participação das mulheres nesse contexto. A inserção feminina no mercado de trabalho ainda sofre barreiras históricas, sendo o objetivo deste trabalho a identificação da participação das primeiras mulheres na Perícia Oficial no Brasil, especificamente na condição de Peritas Odontolegistas, e realizar um panorama da quantidade atual de profissionais no cargo e sua proporção entre os sexos. Foram coletados dados sobre as primeiras mulheres a ocupar o cargo de Perita Oficial Odontolegista de cada estado e as Peritas Odontolegistas ativas atualmente por meio dos registros das Polícias Científicas, Polícias Civis e dados do Portal da Transparência para tabulação e estatística descritiva. Das respostas recebidas, as primeiras Peritas Odontolegistas Oficiais do Brasil foram dos estados da Paraíba, Maranhão e Pará, nos anos de 1981, 1982 e 1985, respectivamente. No cenário atual, de acordo com o Conselho Federal de Odontologia, 59,69% dos Especialistas em Odontologia Legal são mulheres e, nos estados onde foi possível a coleta dos dados, 57,89% dos Peritos Oficiais Odontolegistas são mulheres. Apesar de maioria na Odontologia Legal, ainda é necessário padronizar a nomenclatura e criar novos cargos oficiais no Brasil para fortalecer a profissão de Perito Odontolegista, incentivando uma maior participação feminina. Conclui-se que em 1981 tivemos a primeira Perita Oficial Odontolegista do Brasil, sendo tal fato no estado da Paraíba, e que hoje há um maior equilíbrio na proporção de homens e mulheres nesse cargo.
Students’ Writing Error in Descriptive Text: Study in the Seventh Grade Students of SMP Negeri 4 Arjosari Satu Atap
Authors: Hadi Samsul , Hastuti Eka Windri , Rahayu Dwi
Published: February 2024

English, as an international language, played a crucial role in the world of education and global communication. In Indonesia, English is taught as a foreign language and is an integral part of the education curriculum. Writing in English is one of the essential components for developing students’ language skills, especially for students at the junior high school level. The purpose of this research was identified the writing errors made by students in descriptive texts. The study was conducted at SMPN 4 Satu Atap Arjosari Pacitan. This research used a quantitative research design. The data sources for this study were nine students from grade VII, selected through purposive sampling. The students’ descriptive text in writing test was used the primary data research. The research findings indicated that there were five aspects of errors in writing. The most dominant was language use, accounting 36%, contents 25%, vocabulary 18%, organizations 17%, mechanics 4%.
Categorizing and quantifying doctor’s extended answers and their strategies in medical teleconsultations
Authors: Li Huaikui Kevin
Published: February 2024

This study analyzed 210 clinical teleconsultations using corpus software to categorize and quantify doctors’ extended answers and communication strategies. The findings reveal that doctors’ extended answers could be classified into seven categories, with explanations for the inability to provide accurate diagnoses having the highest frequencies at 40.6%, followed by justifications for diagnoses at 30.9%. The remaining categories had lower frequencies ranging from 3.2% to 8.3%. Brown & Levinson’s communication strategy framework was employed to categorize strategies used in extended answers. Four strategies were identified: baldly on-record strategy (BORS), positive politeness strategy (PPS), negative politeness strategy (NPS), and off-record strategy (ORS). Among these, NPSs were the most commonly used at 83.4%. followed by BORSs at 9.2% and PPSs at 6.4%. ORS were the least utilized at1.0%. Within the seven NPS categories, making vague diagnoses had the highest percentage at 36.2%, followed by providing justifications or explanations for diagnoses at 26.3%. Other NPS categories had proportion ranging from 13.5% to 0.2%. The frequencies of the two BORS categories each accounted for 4.6%. The dominant proportion in PPS was being optimistic at 3.6%., while the other two categories of using in-group markers and employing consolation routines accounted for 1.2% and 1.5%, respectively.
Spatiotemporal evolution and influencing mechanisms of carbon pressure at the county scale: a case study of central-south Liaoning urban agglomeration, China
Authors: Liu Xinrui , Guo Rongfei , Zhang Yabing , Liu Na , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2024

To comprehensively assess the balance between carbon emission and carbon sequestration from a spatiotemporal perspective, research on the spatiotemporal characteristics and transition mechanisms of carbon pressure in central-south Liaoning urban agglomeration (CSLUA) at the county level from 2002 to 2017, is conducted through nesting spatiotemporal leaps and quantile regression. Research results suggest that: (1) The overall carbon pressure index (CPI) of districts and counties in CSLUA shows an increasing trend and exhibits a spatial pattern of higher pressure in the west and lower pressure in the east, with severe overload in the central areas of west. (2) The overall spatial distribution of CPI shows significant high-high agglomeration and low-low agglomeration. The local spatial structure of carbon pressure is relatively stable, showing path dependence and transfer inertia. The central areas of west demonstrate stronger dynamism, while the eastern areas are relatively stable. (3) Most districts and counties in CSLUA are predominantly influenced by the environment technology constraint pattern. Small parts of regions located in the central areas of western cities were influenced by the industry-population-driven and economy-human-urbanization driven patterns. Therefore, the green and low-carbon development needs to jointly consider the regional development characteristics, driving factors, agglomeration types, and transition paths. It is important to design differentiated and coordinated emission reduction strategies based on local conditions while considering spatial correlation, and to establish an inter-regional collaborative governance mechanism. In this manner, co-reduction and co-optimization of carbon emissions can be accomplished through effective pilot implementation strategies and successful regions encouragement.
Metabolic index of the best preserved hemisphere of 18F-FDG PET imaging combination behavioral CRS-R scores predict recovery from disorders of consciousness
Authors: Guo Kun , Li Guiyu , Quan Zhiyong , Wang Yirong , Wang Junling , Kang Fei , Wang Jing
Published: February 2024

Background The objective of this study was to develop a prognostic model for predicting one-year post-injury outcomes in chronic disorders of consciousness (DoC) by detecting relatively preserved brain metabolism through 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET). This approach allows the assessment of the level of consciousness and the prediction of the likelihood of wakefulness. Methods Eighty-seven DoC patients newly diagnosed with behavioral Revised Coma Recovery Scale (CRS-R) and 18F-FDG PET/CT studies were included. PET images were standardized by the metabolic index of the best-preserved hemisphere (MIBH) and the ratio SUV (SUVR), respectively. The training of image-based classification was conducted using the DenseNet121 network, while tabular-based deep learning was employed for training depth features extracted from imaging models and behavioral CRS-R scores. The performance of the models was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC). Results Of the 87 DoC patients who received routine treatments, consciousness recovery was observed in 52 patients, while consciousness non-recovery was observed in 35 patients. The classification performance of the MIBH model was found to be superior to that of the SUVR model, with AUC values of 0.751 ± 0.093 and 0.412 ± 0.104 on the test sets, respectively. The MIBH + CT multimodal model was determined to perform better than the MIBH-only model, achieving an AUC of 0.784 ± 0.073 on the test sets. The combination of MIBH + CT depth features with behavioral CRS-R scores resulted in the best classification accuracy, with AUC values of 0.950 ± 0.027 and 0.933 ± 0.015 on the training and test sets, respectively. Conclusions The prediction of recovery in DoCs was facilitated by a model based on a combination of multimodal imaging features and behavioral CRS-R scores.
Management and climate effects to global changes in crop yield stability
Authors: Iizumi Toshichika , Sakai Toru , Masaki Yoshimitsu , Oyoshi Kei , Takimoto Takahiro , Shiogama Hideo , Imada Yukiko , Makowski David
Published: February 2024

Crop yield stability is key for food security. However, little is known about whether recent technological advances are sufficient to stabilize yields against seasonal climate variability and extremes under climate change. Using a grid yield dataset, we found that from 2001 to 2020, the standard deviation (SD) of yield anomalies for maize, rice, wheat, and soybean, increased across 119.2 million hectares (Mha), or 19% of the global harvested area. Management improvement has not kept pace with worsening agro-climatic conditions in 80% of areas with increased SD. However, the coefficient of variation (CV) for yield anomalies increased in only the half of areas with increased SD, or 11% of the global harvested area, due to concurrent increases in average yields. The worsened agro-climatic condition increased yield anomaly SD to be 9.7% greater than what would occur without climate change. Adaptation finance needs to quadruple for stabilizing yields by boosting agricultural R&D.
Stanniocalcin 2 governs cancer cell adaptation to nutrient insufficiency through alleviation of oxidative stress
Authors: Qie Shuo , Xiong Haijuan , Liu Yaqi , Yan Chenhui , Wang Yalei , Tian Lifeng , Wang Chenguang , Sang Nianli
Published: February 2024

Solid tumours often endure nutrient insufficiency during progression. How tumour cells adapt to temporal and spatial nutrient insufficiency remains unclear. We previously identified STC2 as one of the most upregulated genes in cells exposed to nutrient insufficiency by transcriptome screening, indicating the potential of STC2 in cellular adaptation to nutrient insufficiency. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying STC2 induction by nutrient insufficiency and subsequent adaptation remain elusive. Here, we report that STC2 protein is dramatically increased and secreted into the culture media by Gln-/Glc- deprivation. STC2 promoter contains cis-elements that are activated by ATF4 and p65/RelA, two transcription factors activated by a variety of cellular stress. Biologically, STC2 induction and secretion promote cell survival but attenuate cell proliferation during nutrient insufficiency, thus switching the priority of cancer cells from proliferation to survival. Loss of STC2 impairs tumour growth by inducing both apoptosis and necrosis in mouse xenografts. Mechanistically, under nutrient insufficient conditions, cells have increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lack of STC2 further elevates ROS levels that lead to increased apoptosis. RNA-Seq analyses reveal STC2 induction suppresses the expression of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB), a mitochondrial membrane enzyme that produces ROS. Moreover, a negative correlation between STC2 and MAOB levels is also identified in human tumour samples. Importantly, the administration of recombinant STC2 to the culture media effectively suppresses MAOB expression as well as apoptosis, suggesting STC2 functions in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Taken together, our findings indicate that nutrient insufficiency induces STC2 expression, which in turn governs the adaptation of cancer cells to nutrient insufficiency through the maintenance of redox homeostasis, highlighting the potential of STC2 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
An Innovative Fusion of New Smile Random Forest and Fuzzy Analysis for Comprehensive Seismic hazard Assessment: A Case Study in Mersin, Türkiye
Authors: Yakar Murat , Kamran Khalil Valizadeh , Alptekin Aydın , Kuşak Lütfiye , Unel Fatma Bunyan , Yariyan Peyman
Published: February 2024

This study addresses the critical issue of earthquake vulnerability in Mersin, Türkiye, given its susceptibility to seismic threats due to factors such as high population density, substandard constructions, narrow roads, and urban congestion. The research employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing a multi-criteria evaluation model and a novel hybrid random forest model to estimate the city's vulnerability proportionally. Spatial data encompassing physical, population, building quality, accessibility, relief, and hazard facilities were incorporated into the assessment. Weights for these components were determined through the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model, and a hybrid approach using Linear, Small, and Large functions calculated distances between options with fuzzy-fication. Resampling 10m x 10m maps addressed variations in spatial resolutions, while an 80% training set and 20% test set mitigated overfitting concerns. Expert opinions were pivotal in establishing criteria and sub-criteria for determining safe areas for temporary accommodation, rescue centers, and a seismic vulnerability map. The Smile Random Forest hybrid model was instrumental in generating these outcomes. Notably, the vulnerability map indicated that 24% of Mersin's areas fall within the high and very high vulnerability range. Key contributors to vulnerability included Geology factors (26.4), Land use (16.1), Epicenters (13.1), and slope and DEM (6.4). These findings underscore the imperative for strategic planning and interventions to minimize earthquake-induced damage in Mersin.
A general strategy to significantly reduce thermal expansion and achieve high mechanical properties in iron alloys
Authors: Chen Jun , Lu Hao , Zhou Chang , Song Yuzhu , zhang Yuanpeng , Wu Yiming , Long Feixiang , Yao Yonghao , Hao Jiazheng , Chen Yan , Yu Dunji , Schwiedrzik Jakob , An Ke , He Lunhua , Lu Zhaoping
Published: February 2024

Iron alloys, including steel and magnetic functional materials, are widely used in capital construction, manufacturing, electromagnetic technology, etc. However, they face the long-standing challenge of high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), limiting the applications in high-precision fields. This work proposes a general strategy involving the in-situ formation of a nano-scale lamellar/labyrinthine negative thermal expansion (NTE) phase within the iron matrix to tackle this problem. For example, a model Fe alloy, Fe-Zr10-Nb6, was synthesized and its CTE is reduced to approximately half of the iron. Meanwhile, the alloy possesses an excellent strength-plasticity combination of 1.5 GPa (compressive strength) and 17.5% (ultimate strain), which outperforms other low thermal expansion (LTE) metallic materials. The magnetovolume effect of the NTE phase is deemed to counteract the positive thermal expansion in iron. The high stress-carrying hard NTE phase and the tough matrix synergistically contribute to the superior mechanical properties. The interaction between the slip of lamellar microstructure and the slip-hindering of labyrinthine microstructure further enhances the strength-plasticity combination. This work shows the promise of offering a universal method to produce LTE iron alloys with outstanding mechanical properties.
Real-world clinical results of CGRP monoclonal antibody treatment for medication overuse headache of migraine without abrupt drug discontinuation and no hospitalization
Authors: Tanei Takafumi , Fuse Yutaro , Maesawa Satoshi , Nishimura Yusuke , Ishizaki Tomotaka , Nagashima Yoshitaka , Mutoh Manabu , Ito Yoshiki , Hashida Miki , Suzuki Takahiro , Yamamoto Syun , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Saito Ryuta
Published: February 2024

Background
Abrupt discontinuation of overused medications is the gold standard treatment for medication overuse headache (MOH), but discontinuation is difficult to maintain. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the real-world clinical results of anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody (CGRP-mAb) treatment for MOH of migraine without abrupt drug discontinuation and no hospitalization.
Methods
Patients with MOH of migraine receiving naïve CGRP-mAb treatment without abrupt drug discontinuation were enrolled. Data were collected before starting CGRP-mAb injections (baseline) and after each injection. The primary endpoint was evaluated after the third injection. The following items were compared between baseline and after each injection: monthly headache days (MHD), monthly migraine days (MMD), monthly acute medication use (AMU) days, monthly total amount of AMU tablets, headache impact test-6 (HIT-6), and the migraine-specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ). Achieving reduction rates ≥ 50% in the frequency of each headache and migraine (MHD and MMD, respectively) was defined as a good response. Achieving reduction rates of both AMU days and tablets ≥ 50% was defined as effective in reducing AMU.
Results
This study included 33 patients with MOH of migraine. After the third CGRP-mAb injection, MHD and MMD were significantly decreased from median 30.0 [interquartile range (IQR), 28.0–30.0] days to 9.5 [IQR, 5.5–13.3] days, and 10.0 [IQR, 6.0–15.0] days to 1.5 [IQR, 0.0–3.0] days, respectively (p < 0.001). In addition, monthly AMU days and tablets were also significantly decreased from median 28.0 [IQR, 20.0–30.0] days to 8.0 [IQR, 4.8–11.3] days, and 30.0 [IQR, 22.0–54.0] tablets to 9.5 [IQR, 4.8–13.5] tablets, respectively (p < 0.001). The good MHD and MMD responder rates were 75.0% and 85.7%, respectively. The rate of reducing AMU was 78.6%. HIT-6 and MSQ scores decreased significantly from baseline to after each CGRP-mAb injection (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
When CGRP-mAb was administered to MOH of migraine, the frequency of headache symptoms and AMU were reduced without abrupt drug discontinuation and no hospitalization.
Social Determinants of Childhood Immunization in Ghana: Equity Impact Analysis
Authors: Puobebe Carolyn , Yoo Katelyn Jison
Published: February 2024

Background
Equity is a fundamental principle underlying the global immunization program. Ghana has among the highest rates of childhood immunisation coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study analyses full immunization coverage, calculates immunization dropout rate, and estimates the equity impact by child, maternal, socioeconomic, geographic and place of birth characteristics.
Methods
We analysed full immunization coverage (1-dose BCG, 3-dose DPT-HepB-Hib (Pentavalent), 4-dose polio, 3-dose pneumococcal (PCV3), 2-dose rotavirus, 1-dose measles (MCV1) and 1-dose Yellow Fever vaccines) of 1127 and 1705 children aged 12–23 months from the 2014 Ghana Demographic Health Survey and the 2018 Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey respectively. Mean coverage was disaggregated by socioeconomic (household wealth), maternal (maternal age at birth, maternal marital status, maternal education, and maternal exposure to media), sex of child and place of birth characteristics. Concentration indices estimated income-related inequalities and multiple logistic regression assessed the association between full immunization coverage and dimensions of inequality.
Results
Full vaccination coverage was 75.5% [72–79] and 73% [CI:69–76] in 2014 and 2018 respectively. Penta1 recorded the highest coverage of 96% [95–98] and 95% [CI:93–96] in 2014 and 2018 respectively. OPV0 recorded the lowest coverage of 77.5% [74.3–80.5] and 74.5% [71.0-77.6] in 2014 and 2018 respectively. The immunization dropout rate for Penta1 to measles was 10.4% in 2018. Children born in a health facility had 84% higher odds of being fully immunised compared to children born at home. Children in Possession of a health card had 83% higher odds of complete immunization and children born to mothers aged 25–29 years had 84% higher odds of being fully immunised compared to children born by mothers age < 25. Income related inequalities were pronounced in OPV0 with concentration indices of 0.27 and 0.22 in 2014 and 2018 respectively. Significant inequalities were pronounced in urban residence and children without a health card with concentration indices of 0.2 and 0.4 respectively.
Conclusions
Ghana’s immunization coverage is below the target levels and significant income-related inequalities exist. Health system and maternal-level health interventions will have the highest impact in promoting equity for the benefit of underserved children. As Ghana prepares to exit as a beneficiary of Gavi, monitoring and evaluation systems need to be strengthened.
Hot and fresh: evidence of climate-related suboptimal conditions for seagrass in a large Gulf coast estuary
Authors: Beck Marcus W , Flaherty-Walia Kerry , Scolaro Sheila , Burke Maya C , Furman Bradley T , Karlen David J , Pratt Christopher , Anastasiou Christopher J , Sherwood Edward T
Published: February 2024

Seagrasses have long been a focal point for management efforts aimed at restoring ecosystem health in estuaries worldwide. In Tampa Bay, Florida (USA), seagrass coverage has declined since 2016 by nearly a third (11,518 acres), despite sustained reductions of nitrogen loads supportive of light environments for growth. Changing physical water quality conditions related to climate change may be stressing seagrasses beyond their optimal growth ranges, requiring an assessment to determine if this decline can be linked to climate stress. Three ambient water quality datasets of varying sampling design and coverage were evaluated to characterize physicochemical environments in Tampa Bay and the potential relationships with seagrass change. Tampa Bay has become hotter and fresher with water temperature increasing by 0.03–0.04 \({}^{\circ }\)C per year and salinity decreasing by 0.04–0.06 ppt per year, translating to an increase of 1.3 to 1.7 \({}^{\circ }\)C and a decrease of 1.6 to 2.6 ppt over the last fifty years. These changes varied spatially and seasonally, with the most dramatic changes observed in the upper bay. Simple linear models provided a weight-of-evidence that recent seagrass declines are somewhat associated with hotter and fresher conditions. Trends in warming and increased precipitation in the region are likely to continue, further creating suboptimal conditions for seagrasses in Tampa Bay. These results should compel resource managers to consider the likelihood that reduced resilience of estuarine resources due to shifting ecological baselines driven by additional climate change drivers will complicate long-standing management paradigms. While conventional management approaches that focus on limiting nutrient loads should be continued, their future effectiveness may be confounded by climate change drivers and warrant additional, complementary interventions to maintain ecosystem health into the future.
Association between voriconazole-induced visual hallucination and dopamine: an analysis of the food and drug administration adverse event reporting system database
Authors: Kato Hideo , Shiraishi Chihiro , Hagihara Mao , Mikamo Hiroshige , Iwamoto Takuya
Published: February 2024

Background: Voriconazole is a second-generation azole used to treat serious fungal infections. Visual hallucinations constitute a representative adverse event caused by voriconazole. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In patients with schizophrenia or Parkinson’s disease, the frequency of visual hallucinations is associated with brain dopamine levels.
Objectives: This study investigated the frequency of visual hallucinations in patients treated with voriconazole alone or in combination with dopaminergic medicines or dopamine antagonists, using data collected from the food and drug administration adverse event reporting system (FAERS).
Methods: The frequency of visual hallucinations with voriconazole alone and in combination with a dopaminergic medicine (levodopa) or dopamine antagonists (risperidone and chlorpromazine) was compared using data from the FAERS between 2004 and 2023, using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) with relevant 95% confidence intervals (CI). The reference group comprised patients who had been administered voriconazole without dopaminergic medication or dopamine antagonists.
Results: Of the patients, 22,839, 90,810, 109,757, 6,435, 20, 83, and 26, respectively were treated with voriconazole, levodopa, risperidone, chlorpromazine, voriconazole plus levodopa, voriconazole plus risperidone, and voriconazole plus chlorpromazine. The occurrence of visual hallucinations increased when used in combination with levodopa (ROR=12.302, 95% CI=3.587-42.183). No increase in incidence was associated with the concomitant use of dopamine antagonists (risperidone, ROR=1.721, 95% CI=0.421-7.030; chlorpromazine, ROR=none, 95% CI=none).
Conclusions: Dopaminergic medications may increase the risk of visual hallucinations in patients treated with voriconazole. Whether voriconazole positively modulates dopamine production warrants further investigation using a translational research approach.
Effects of a 12-week multicomponent exercise programme on physical function in older adults with cancer: Study protocol for the ONKO-FRAIL randomised controlled trial
Authors: García-García Julia , Rodriguez-Larrad Ana , Zeberio Maren Martinez de Rituerto , Mediavilla Jenifer Gómez , Vicente Borja López-San , Artola Nuria Torrego , Etxetxipia Izaskun Zeberio , Garmendia Irati , Alberro Ainhoa , Otaegui David , Rabasco Francisco Borrego , Caffarel María M , Vrotsou Kalliopi , Irazusta Jon , Arrieta Haritz , Pelaez Mireia , Belloso Jon , Basterretxea Laura
Published: February 2024

Background: Cancer in older adults is often associated with functional limitations, geriatric syndromes, poor self-rated health, vulnerability and frailty, and these conditions might worsen treatment-related side effects. Recent guidelines for cancer patients during and after treatment have documented the beneficial effects of exercise to counteract certain side effects; however, little is known about the role of exercise during cancer treatment in older adults.
Methods: This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial in which 200 participants will be allocated to a control group or an intervention group. Patients aged ≥ 70 years, diagnosed with any type of solid cancer and candidates for systemic treatment are eligible. Subjects in the intervention group are invited to participate in a 12-week supervised multicomponent exercise programme in addition to receiving usual care. Study assessments are conducted at baseline and 3 months. The primary outcome measure is physical function as assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery. Secondary outcome measures include comprehensive geriatric assessment scores, anthropometric characteristics, frailty status, physical fitness, physical activity, cognitive function, quality of life, fatigue and nutritional status. Study assessments also include analysis of inflammatory, endocrine and nutritional mediators in serum and plasma as potential frailty biomarkers at mRNA and protein levels and multiparametric flow cytometric analysis to measure immunosenescence markers on T and NK cells. This research has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Basque Country.
Discussion: This study seeks to extend our knowledge on exercise interventions during systemic anticancer treatment in patients over 70 years of age. Results from this research will guide the management of older adults during systemic treatment in hospitals seeking to enhance the standard of care.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05131113, November 11, 2021.
A diagnostic model for atherosclerosis established on the basis of autophagy-related genes
Authors: He Chuanhui , Wang Zhu , Liu Hongli , Yuan Sujun , Yang Huiyu
Published: February 2024

Background Atherosclerosis, a common cardiovascular disease, has a complex etiology. In recent years, autophagy has been recognized to play a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to establish a diagnostic model for atherosclerosis based on autophagy-related genes.
Objectives Our research aims to establish a diagnostic model for atherosclerosis based on autophagy-related genes.
Methods GSE100927 and GSE28829 were downloaded from the GEO website (https:// www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/ geo/). Autopophagy-related genes were obtained from the Human Autophagy Database (HADb) database (http://www.autophagy.lu/index.html). Then, taking the intersection, we obtained 19 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes. Using machine learning methods and validation with GSE28829, we identified six genes. These six genes were used to construct a new diagnostic model for arteriosclerosis, and a nomogram was generated.
Results The results demonstrated that the new model exhibited good accuracy and sensitivity in diagnosing atherosclerosis. Additionally, we explored the role of these six genes in 28 types of immune cells through immune infiltration analysis. Furthermore, we validated the differential expression of the diagnostic model in normal mice and mice with atherosclerosis through in vivo experiments.
Conclusion We successfully established a diagnostic model for atherosclerosis based on autophagy-related genes. This model provides new insights and methods for the early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. This research is expected to lead to the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Pancreatic Cancer in Saudi Arabia (2005-2020): Increasing Trend
Authors: Elwali Nasr Eldin , AlShareef Saad Mohammed , Elhassan Moawia M.A.
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic cancer, a highly fatal malignancy, has shown a global rise in the incidence and mortality rates. However, these rates vary significantly across different regions worldwide. This study aims to assess the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer in Saudi Arabia. We collected the data from 16 annual cancer incidence reports in Saudi Arabia for the study period (2005–2020) and from the WHO's IARC Global Cancer Observatory website. Although the burden of pancreatic cancer in Saudi Arabia is relatively lower compared to global rates, the disease incidence has shown a steady increase over the study period, in addition to regional variations within the country. The disease predominantly affects the elderly population, aged 50 years and above in both genders, with males exhibiting higher rates than females. Further studies are required to identify the potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer in the Saudi population.
Effects of the daily light-dark cycle on rhythms of behavior and physiology in boring giant clam Tridacna crocea
Authors: Li Meng , Yang Wenhong , Hong Xin , Wang Aimin , Yang Yi , Yu Feng , Liu Chunsheng
Published: February 2024

Giant clams obtain their nutrition from both filter-feeding and photosynthates produced by symbiotic zooxanthellae within their mantle tissue. The symbiotic partnerships between giant clam and zooxanthellae are critical for the health and survival of giant clams. Therefore, light/dark alternation plays a crucial role in influencing the growth performance and physiological change of the giant clam-zooxanthellae symbiosis in natural ecosystems. In this study, the rhythms of mantle area, physiological metabolic activity, and oxidative stress in the boring giant clam, Tridacna crocea, caused by 12-hour light-dark cycles (7:00–19:00 light-on and 9:00–21:00 light-on, respectively) were investigated. The relative mantle area, net calcification rate and gross primary production significantly increased with the increase in light time, and the highest values were observed after 4–7 h of light exposure. The values of symbiosis Y (II) sharply increased when giant clams were transferred from dark to light conditions, and then slightly decreased to a low level until the next light/dark cycle. Dynamic changes of zooxanthellae density in the outer mantle were observed with two-peck values noted at 4-h after light-on and -off, respectively. The absorption of ammonium-nitrogen (negative values of ammonia metabolic rate) was observed when giant clams were exposed to light, and the rate reached its highest value after 10 h of light exposure. Rhythmic changes of oxidative stress related enzymes and antioxidant molecule were also detected in the inner and outer mantles. In detail, the highest values of SOD activity were observed around light-on time in both inner and outer mantles, while the tendency of CAT activity was not the same in inner and outer mantles; the GSH contents in inner mantle were significantly higher than that in outer mantle, and their values significantly increased with light exposure; the MDA concentrations from 5:00 to 14:00 were almost the same in both inner and outer mantles, which showed significantly higher than those of other sampling point. The rhythms of these detected behaviors and physiological responses were almost delayed with the delay of photocycle. This provides experimental support for the hypothesis that some behaviors and physiological responses of giant clams exhibit circadian rhythms, which are affected by change of light/dark alternation.
A Knowledge-Guided Process Planning Approach with Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Wu Hongjin , Chen Yelin , Wang Xuesong , Peng Yibing
Published: February 2024

With the wide application of computer-aided technologies such as CAD and CAM in the manufacturing industry, more and more process documents and design documents generate multi-source process knowledge and expert experience. However, due to the diverse and complex representation of process knowledge, more effective methods are needed to mine a large amount of multi-source information and the explicit and implicit relationships between knowledge. Effective knowledge reuse in process planning still needs to be improved. This paper proposes a reinforcement learning approach that combines knowledge graphs and process decision-making activities in process planning to exploit the learning potential of process knowledge graphs. Firstly, a reinforcement learning environment for process planning is introduced to model the process planning problem as a sequential recommendation of process knowledge. Secondly, this paper designs in detail the state representation that combines process sequences and potential relationships between processes. This paper also creates a composite reward function that combines the process planning environment. In addition, a new algorithm is proposed for learning the proposed model more efficiently. Experimental results show that the network structure proposed in this paper has more accurate recommendation results than other methods. Finally, this paper takes flange as an example to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
WITHDRAWN: Numerical investigation of fluid flow simulation through a cylindrical shape orifice flow meter using Ansys-fluent software
Authors: Zema Tesfaye Barza
Published: February 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Assessement of different materials used for fabrication of fixed free fixed dental prostheses. Finite element analysis
Authors: Galal Rami M. , Elhotieby Menat Mohamed , Hamza Ghada Ezzat , Aldimiery Yousra
Published: February 2024

Objectives
this research assessed three materials to be used for fabrication of fixed free fixed dental prosthesis using finite element analysis, total deformation, Von Mises stress maximum amounts and sites on the bone, and the fixed dental prosthesis body were compared.
Methods
3D finite element model was made for the tested fixed dental prosthesis and a contact scanner was used. A fixed free dental prosthesis restoring the maxillary first premolar where second premolar with first molar were the supporting abutments that were scanned. Porcelain fused to metal, CEREC Tessera (Dentsply Sirona) and Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone were assessed as fixed free dental prosthesis materials. Cement thickness was adjusted to 40 microns. 100 N vertical load was applied to the central fossa of the pontic in the model.
Results
The deformations in this study were within the acceptable range except with the PEKK fixed free prosthesis. Tessera was with better results than the porcelain fused to metal as the more elastic modulus allows for absorption of energy from loading.
Conclusion
Purely used PEKK is not recommended for fixed free dental prosthesis. Low stiffness fixed dental prosthesis material helps in transferring low amount of load to the underneath tissues.
Release of Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae from live intermediate hosts under stress stimuli
Authors: Šipková Anna , Anettová Lucia , Izquierdo-Rodriguez Elena , Velič Vivienne , Modrý David
Published: February 2024

The metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is known to cause eosinophilic meningitis in a variety of homeothermic hosts including humans. Third-stage infectious larvae develop in gastropods as intermediate hosts. Humans are usually infected by intentional or incidental ingestion of an infected mollusc or paratenic host (poikilotherm vertebrates and invertebrates). The infection may also hypothetically occur through ingestion of food or water contaminated by third-stage larvae spontaneously released from gastropods. Larvae are thought to be released in greater numbers from the intermediate host exposed to stress stimuli. This study aimed to compare larval release from gastropods with and without stress stimuli. Experimentally infected Limax maximus and Lissachatina fulica were exposed to a stress stimulus (shaking on an orbital shaker). The mucus was collected before and after the stress and examined microscopically and by qPCR for the presence of A. cantonensis larvae and the DNA. In the case of L. maximus, no larvae were detected microscopically in the mucus, but qPCR analysis confirmed the presence of A. cantonensis DNA in all experimental replicates, without clear differences between stress and non-stress period. In contrast, individual larvae of A. cantonensis were found in mucus from Li. fulica after stress exposure which corresponds to an increased number of DNA-positive mucus samples after stress. Apparently, stress stimuli of intensity comparable to transport or snail handling stimulate larval release, especially from highly infected intermediate hosts. However, the small number of larvae released probably does not pose a significant risk of human infection.
Limitations in Speech Recognition for Young Adults with Down Syndrome
Authors: Cibrian Franceli L. , Chen Yingchen 'Yuki' , Anderson Kayla , Abrahamsson Cecilia Marie , Motti Vivian Genaro
Published: February 2024

Speech recognition has the potential to make technology more accessible to users. However, the accuracy of speech recognition remains limited for users with disabilities, including those with Down Syndrome, and the types and frequencies of recognition errors are poorly understood. This paper characterizes these problems, focusing on errors occurring when recognizing Down Syndrome speech. We analyze the transcripts from six speech recognition algorithms (Google, IBM, Otter.ai, Microsoft, AssemblyAI, OpenAI) using the audio content of 15 individuals with Down Syndrome (331 dialogues; 3,428 words). Our analysis shows (1) significant difference in speech recognition accuracy for people with Down Syndrome compared to neurotypical users; (2) the best algorithm for recognizing Down Syndrome speech is OpenAI (Word Accuracy = 67\%; F1-score = 0.944), and (3) there is a prevalence of deletion errors followed by substitutions and insertions. These findings have implications for enhancing speech recognition for the next-generation voice assistants to meet the needs of users with Down Syndrome.
Three years Retrospective Analysis of Distribution and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Isolates from Culture-positive Clinical Specimens at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Erkihun Mulat , Assefa Ayenew , Legesse Biruk , Almaw Andargachew , Berhan Ayenew , Getie Birhanu , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Fentie Alemie , Solomon Yenealem , Damtie Shewaneh , Eyayu Tahir , Malkamu B /maskel , Sharew Bekele , Asmare Zelalem , Getie Molla , Enkobahry Aklesya , Ayele Bayu , Ashagrie Degu
Published: February 2024

Background
The main concerns affecting human health are infectious diseases. Bacterial infections comprise a large portion of infectious disorders. Infections acquired in health institutions are also among their sources of infections. The location of culture-positive specimens and the thorough profiles of antibiotic resistance for common pathogens were the subsequent focal points of the current investigation.
Methodology:
The bacterial isolates and antibiotic resistance of the bacterial pathogens extracted from the patient's biological samples were evaluated in this retrospective study (2020–2022). Biological specimens utilized for microbiological culture included blood, urine, genital, respiratory, soft tissue and body fluids, stool, urine, and Cerebro-spinal fluid. The diagnosis of microbiology was carried out using traditional culture techniques. In accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method was employed for the antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. The data was extracted from WHONET and analyzed.
Result
In total, 2489 isolates were isolated from 2073 patient specimens in three consecutive years from different locations. According to this analysis, most of the isolates were from the neonatal intensive care unit 471 (18.9%) and pediatrics ward 397 (16%). Above half of isolates (63.2%) were from blood specimen. The predominant isolates were gram positive aerobic bacteria (1117, 44.9%). Secondly, predominant isolates were aerobic gram negative bacteria (1008, 40.5%). Among the ESKPAE pathogen frequencies, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aurous, Enterococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii (391, 15.7%), (356, 14.3%), (300, 8.5%), (140, 5.6%), and (89, 3.6%) are the predominant ones, respectively. Beside antimicrobial activities about 100 Entrobactercae family member bacteria resisted for carbapenem drug groups and 320 isolates of this family were expected to be extended beta lactamase producer. Farther more about 120 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates were also identified.
Conclusion
Among the isolates ESKAPE pathogens accounts the maximum proportion. The higher isolates were from neonatal intensive care unit. Significant amount of multi drug resistance, extreme drug resistance and pan drug resistance isolates found in the current study. The Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital has to identify the source of infection for their further preventive measures.
1 Effects of Phosphate-rock Mining Wastewater Fertigation on Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) Cultivation and Soil Microbial Diversity
Authors: Hammami Imran , Ferchichi Nouha , Toukebri Wael , M’sehli Wissal , Hammouda Thouraya Ben , Ajengui Arwa , Guiga Cyrine , Salhi Hanen , Hassen Rached Ben , Trabelsi Darine
Published: February 2024

The conventional intensive use of chemical fertilizers poses significant threats to agro-ecosystem sustainability, leading to soil deterioration and environmental pollution. This study explores the potential of utilizing phosphate-rock mining wastewater (MWw) as a sustainable alternative for fertigation in chickpea cultivation. The investigation, conducted under both greenhouse and field conditions, evaluates the impact of raw and diluted MWw on chickpea growth, yield, and soil microbial diversity. In greenhouse experiments, chickpea plants subjected to MWw fertigation exhibited enhanced root and shoot growth, increased seed and pod production, and improved chlorophyll content. The inclusion of the Mesorhizobium mediterraneum strain "C11" further augmented these positive effects. Principal component analysis revealed a clear positive influence of MWw and inoculation on chickpea yield. Field trials conducted in a semi-arid region demonstrated that MWw fertigation significantly increased shoot dry weight, with variations observed between chickpea cultivars. Meta-genomic analysis of soil microbial communities indicated a substantial impact of fertigation on bacterial phyla composition, particularly an increase in Proteobacteria abundance. The induced and inhibited bacterial spectra highlighted the influence of MWw on specific bacterial families, including Rhodanobacteraceae and Dongiaceae. The MWw used in the study exhibited slightly alkaline pH and contained essential micronutrients. The study emphasizes the potential of MWw, combined with microbial inoculation, as a sustainable source of water and nutrients for chickpea cultivation. The positive effects on plant growth and soil microbial diversity suggest that MWw fertigation could contribute to more environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into utilizing phosphate-rich wastewater for sustainable agriculture, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and environmental challenges.