bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The globalization of bibimbap: focusing on the diversity of modernization of bibimbap
Authors: Mun Eun-Gyung , Lee Young-Eun , Cha Youn-Soo
Published: November 2023

Korea is developing a food culture based on various vegetation. Bibimbap is a one-dish meal that harmonizes the characteristics of Korean food. Bibimbap is made by placing seasoned meat, vegetables (namul), vegetable oil (sesame and perilla), and jang (gochujang, ganjang, or doenjang) on top of warm rice. Since ancient times, bibimbap has been served on a table of various classes, from the royal court to the common people, and it has the convenience of meals and the spirit of community. Therefore, bibimbap is for many people to gather an eat deliciously. The famous bibimbap regions in Korea include Jeonju, Jinju, and Andong, and each has its characteristics. Depending on the serving style, they can be divided into brass or stone pot bowls. Depending on the main ingredients, it is also divided according to vegetables, grains, meat, and seafood. Additionally, restaurants specializing in bibimbap are prevalent in Korea, and there are many commercially launched products such as retort food, in-flight meal, and ingredients for bibimbap. Bibimbap is responsible for the Korean table by combining various fields from gourmet to homemade meals. As can be seen from this point, bibimbap has the characteristics of a customized meal as the characteristic of consumers being able to choose food ingredients are remarkable. Bibimbap is a food that can be applied without time, space, and individual restrictions by combining various foods in one bowl to balance and harmonize with each other.
Effect of endoscopic sinus surgery on quality of life among the patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
Authors: Sellami Mustapha , Abdi Samira , Boudjenah Farid
Published: November 2023

Background

Quality of life (QoL) tests are usually used to assess the response to different therapies. They are the tools that best reflect the patients’ complaints, the severity of their pathology, and the post-therapeutic gains.

The aim of the present study is to assess the effect of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on quality of life (QoL) among the patients of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 items (SNOT-22).

Methods

This is a prospective, descriptive, and monocentric study involving all the patients who underwent surgery for CRS with nasal polyposis at Bejaia University Hospital over a period of 36 months, from January 1st, 2017, to December 31st, 2019.

A SNOT-22 test was completed item by item with our patients, before any surgery, and after endoscopic sinus surgery at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months.

Results

Sixty-five patients, having undergone ESS for CRS with nasal polyposis, were followed during a period 12 months. The average age of our patients was 42.06 ± 12.47 years, with 41.5% females and 58.5% males.

Clinical examination showed that impairment was bilateral in 100% of our patients, while the nasal endoscopy showed that the polyps reached stage III in 87.7% of the cases on the right and 80% on the left. The mean Lund-Mackay CT score was 18.71 ± 4.77/24.

All of the patients were treated with local and general short courses of corticosteroid therapy before ESS was indicated.

Our results showed improvement in the QoL of our patients and maintenance of this gain after surgery. The average total SNOT-22 score for them was 49.41 ± 17.12 pre-operatively; post-operatively it was 12.14 ± 10.22 after 1 month; 10.31 ± 8.17 after 3 months; 9.35 ± 8.93 after 6 months; 12.21 ± 15.45 after 9 months and 12.63 ± 16.23 after 12 months.

Conclusion

ESS is the gold standard in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis after failure of medical therapy.

The use of SNOT-22 test enabled us to confirm that whatever the surgical procedure applied, the QoL improves after surgery.
Tracing exploitation of egg boons: an experimental study using fatty acids and stable isotopes
Authors: Nair Parvathi , Miller Cambria M. , Fuiman Lee A.
Published: November 2023

Coordinated spawning of marine animals releases millions of planktonic eggs into the environment, known as egg boons. Eggs are rich in essential fatty acids and may be an important lipid subsidy to egg consumers. Our aim was to validate the application of fatty acid and stable isotope tracers of egg consumption to potential egg consumers and to confirm egg consumption by the selected species. We conducted feeding experiments with ctenophores, crustaceans and fishes. We fed these animals a common diet of Artemia or a commercial feed (Otohime) and simulated egg boons for half of them by intermittently supplementing the common diet with red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) eggs for 10–94 days. Controls did not receive eggs. Fatty acid profiles of consumers fed eggs were significantly different from those of controls 24 h after the last egg-feeding event. Consumers took on fatty acid characteristics of eggs. In fishes and ctenophores, fatty acid markers of egg consumption did not persist 2–5 days after the last egg-feeding event, but markers of egg consumption persisted in crustaceans for at least 5–10 days. Additionally, consumption of eggs, which had high values of δ15N, led to δ15N enrichment in crustaceans and a fish. We conclude that fatty acids and nitrogen stable isotope can be used as biomarkers of recent egg consumption in marine animals, validating their use for assessing exploitation of egg boons in nature.
Regulation of the profession Restorer in Slovakia
Authors: Hutta Michal , Davidson Barbara
Published: November 2023

The Slovak Republic decided to regulate access to the execution of the profession “restorer” by establishing the Chamber of Restorers (original name in Slovak: “Komora reštaurátorov”). The Chamber of Restorers was established by law in 1994 as a so-called professional chamber with compulsory membership. It gathers physical persons executing the profession “restorer” in Slovakia. As far as we know, it is the only country in the EU where the attempts for self-regulation of the professionals executing the liberal profession “restorer” have been successfully transformed into the creation of a so-called professional chamber. The idea and initiative came from the restorers themselves. At the beginning of the process of preparation of a proposal on how to structure the law, the Slovaks cooperated with their former federal partners from the already split up Czech and Slovak Federative Republic. However, the Czech situation developed differently. The article explains the restorers´ chamber system and its historical preconditions in the Czechoslovak organisation of the profession´s execution.
A brief look at the conservation-restoration profession in Spain
Authors: Ruiz de Torres Moustaka Ioanna , Criado Martín Sali , González Añón Marién , Vidal Meler Pilar
Published: November 2023

This paper summarises the current situation of the conservation-restoration profession in Spain. Firstly, a brief look at professional regulation is made, paying attention to both private and public spheres and freelance professionals. Secondly, a description of all the ofÞcial degrees in conservation-restoration is made, including pre-Bologna and current qualiÞcations. Finally, Cultural Heritage legislation is analysed.

Since its creation in 2011, ACRE, the Association of Conservators-Restorers of Spain, has carried out various actions following its strategic plan. The main blocks of this plan are the recognition and the regulation of the profession, the educational homologation, and the denunciation of cases of professional intrusion.
Efficient analysis of local and global structures in large networks
Authors: Φλώρος Δημήτριος
Published: November 2023

Η παρούσα διατριβή εστιάζει στην αποτελεσματική ανάλυση των τοπικών και ολικών δομών σε δίκτυα ή γράφους. Η ανάλυση δικτύων είναι αναπόσπαστο μέρος της ανάλυσης δεδομένων. Η προηγμένη γνώση των εσωτερικών δομών σε δίκτυα, ή σε δικτυακά δεδομένα, έχει οδηγήσει σε σημαντικά επιτεύγματα και ανακαλύψεις. Ωστόσο, υπάρχουν θεμελιώδεις περιορισμοί στις υπάρχουσες υπολογιστικές μεθόδους για την ανάλυση των δομών ενός δικτύου. (αʹ) Οι υπάρχουσες μέθοδοι δεν μπορούν να χειριστούν μεγάλα δίκτυα. Σε εφαρμογές με πραγματικά δεδομένα, τα δίκτυα είναι συχνά τεράστια και αραιά. Η πολυπλοκότητα και τα ζητήματα απόδοσης σπάνια αναφέρονται στην βιβλιογραφία. (βʹ) Οι υπάρχουσες μέθοδοι για τον εντοπισμό κοινοτήτων υποφέρουν από το πρόβλημα είτε με το όριο ανάλυσης ή με την επιλογή της παραμέτρου ανάλυσης. Αντιμετωπίζουμε αυτές τις προκλήσεις, θεωρητικά και υπολογιστικά, σε τρία σημαντικά προβλήματα από την ανάλυση δικτύων: (1) τον υπολογισμό κατανομών γραφιδίων, (2) την εύρεση τριγώνων, και (3) την ανίχνευση δομών κοινοτήτων σε πολλαπλά επίπεδα. Στα προβλήματα 1 και 2, μειώνουμε σημαντικά την υπολογιστική πολυπλοκότητα. Ανακαλύπτουμε επαναχρησιμοποιήσιμες ή συμπιέσιμες δομές, προσαρμοστικά και αυτόματα. Αναφορικά με την ανίχνευση κοινοτήτων, επιλύουμε το μακροχρόνιο πρόβλημα με το όριο της ανάλυσης. Καταργούμε σοβαρά εμπόδια στην ταχύτητα για την αναζήτηση κοινοτήτων. Ανακαλύπτουμε και χρησιμοποιούμε εγγενείς δομές κοινοτήτων σε χαμηλότερα επίπεδα και καθιστούμε δυνατό τον παραλληλισμό κατά την αναζήτηση κοινοτήτων. Παρουσιάζουμε τους νέους μας αλγόριθμους και δείχνουμε πειραματικά την ανώτερη απόδοση τους, τόσο σε ακρίβεια, όσο και σε ταχύτητα, συγκριτικά με τους αλγόριθμους τελευταίας τεχνολογίας. Παρουσιάζουμε επίσης αρκετές εφαρμογές των αλγορίθμων μας για την αποτελεσματική ανάλυση δομών δικτύων σε πραγματικά δεδομένα.
Investigation of wine fermentation of three-leaf cayratia (Cayratia trifolia L.) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2.1
Authors: Kieu Tien Doan Thi , Quoc Binh Le Doan , Ngoc Mi Huynh Thi , Thanh Nguyen Ngoc , Dang Long Bui Hoang , Phuong Dung Ngo Thi , Toan Ha Thanh , Phong Huynh Xuan
Published: November 2023

Background: Cayratia trifolia has been extensively studied for its bioactive components and medicinal properties. This study was carried out to evaluate the fermentation ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2.1 yeast to determine suitable fermentation conditions. Methods: The initial sugar content for three-leaf cayratia fermentation and fermentation efficiency were calculated. The temperature for three-leaf cayratia fermentation, incubation time, and preliminary 1 liter of three-leaf cayratia wine fermentation were determined. All treatments showed that the total sugar content decreased after 9 days of fermentation compared to the initial level. Temperature during fermentation has a direct effect on yeast activity. Temperature increases the growth of yeast and speed of enzyme activity. The fermentation time changes depending on temperature, initial soluble solid contents, and yeast strains, leading to changes in the ethanol content after the end of fermentation. Results:The results showed that the S. cerevisiae 2.1 strain was able to ferment at room temperature with an initial pH of 4.5, 24 °Brix, and a yeast density of 107 cells/mL. The appropriate fermentation conditions determined for S. cerevisiae 2.1 yeast were 24 °Brix and incubation at room temperature (28-33°C) with a fermentation time of 11 days. Concusion: In 1 liter scale fermentation, three-leaf cayratia wine had 9.46% (v/v) and the fermentation efficiency was 90.34%. The wine produced had a unique color, flavor, and aroma that met the sensory evaluation of the Vietnamese standard TCVN-3217:79.
Lathrobium motonari, a new soil-inhabiting species of the genus Lathrobium (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from western Honshu, Japan
Authors: SENDA YOSHIHIRO
Published: November 2023

Lathrobium motonari sp. nov. is described from northeastern area of Hiroshima Prefecture, western Honshu, Japan, with figures of male and female genital organ including the structures of endophallus in a fully everted condition.
A Practical Approach for Solubility Enhancement of Leflunomide
Authors: Bhandari Yash , Rathore Sunayana , Raghuwanshi Vaishali , Sheikh Shehnaz , Sharma Yashmita , Dubey Ishan
Published: November 2023

Leflunomide is an anti-rheumatic medication. As it has low water solubility, it shows low absorption in gastrointestinal tract. The reported solubility of Leflunomide is approx 25.27 mcg/ml. Leflunomide comes under BCS Class II in which it has low solubility and high permeability. In this study, gel entrapment technique is used to enhance the solubility of leflunomide. In this technique Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose and Ethyl Cellulose are used which are converted to gel with the addition of different organic solvent such as Ethanol, Chloroform, Di chloro Methane etc. The analyses of the samples are done by UV Spectrophotometer at 260nm. Results shows an increment in solubility of Leflunomide drug by gel entrapment technique and are found to be 5.23, 3.80, 3.05 and 2.64 times using HPMC+Chloroform, HPMC+Ethanol+ Dichloro methane, HPMC+Ethanol+Water, HPMC+Ethyl Cellulose+ Dichloro methane+ Water respectively.
Improved stability second harmonic conversion of a diode-pumped Yb:YAG laser at the 0.5 kW level
Authors: Clarke Danielle , Phillips Jonathan , Divoky Martin , Pilar Jan , Navratil Petr , Hanus Martin , Severova Patricie , Denk Ondrej , Paliesek Tomas , Smrz Martin , Mason Paul , Butcher Thomas , Edwards Chris , Collier John , Mocek Tomas
Published: November 2023

We report on efficient and stable, type-I phase-matched second harmonic conversion of a nanosecond high-energy, diode-pumped, Yb:YAG laser. With a frequency-doubling crystal in an enclosed, temperature controller with optical windows, 0.5% energy stability was achieved for approximately half an hour. This resulted in 48.9 J pulses at 10 Hz (489 W) and a conversion efficiency of 73.8%. These results are particularly important for stable and reliable operation of high-energy, frequency-doubled lasers.
“Invisible” pulsation and period-doubling bifurcation of harmonic mode locking in a bidirectional fiber laser
Authors: Wang Qingbo , Wang Pan , Shi Zhifeng , Xu Qiaoqiao , Sun Shijie , He Jiangyong , Wang Zhi , Liu Yan-Ge
Published: November 2023

The harmonic mode-locking (HML) “invisible” pulsation (IP) is reported, here, in a bidirectional passively mode-locked fiber laser (BPMLFL). With the help of dispersive Fourier transform (DFT) technology, it is found that due to the alike nonlinear effects experienced by two pulse trains in HML, their evolution is consistent during the IP. Further, as the increase of pump power, period-doubling bifurcations (PDBs) can be observed based on the IP phenomenon in the HML regime, the PDB path experienced by the HML from steady to chaotic is statistically obtained. Finally, the IP and PDB in the bidirectional laser are reproduced and studied through numerical simulations. The effect of IP on the coherence of solitons is further analyzed. We believe our research results will provide new insights into the study of soliton dynamics in fiber lasers.
Increasing the Q-factor of Fabry–Perot etalons using focused Bessel beam illumination
Authors: Marques Dylan M. , Sheppard Oliver , Guggenheim James A. , Munro Peter R. T.
Published: November 2023

Sensing and filtering applications often require Fabry–Perot (FP) etalons with an Interferometer Transfer Function (ITF) having high visibility, narrow Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), and high sensitivity. For the ITF to have these characteristics, the illumination beam must be matched to the modes of the FP cavity. This is challenging when a small illumination element size is needed, as typical focused beams are not matched to the FP cavity modes. Bessel beams are a potential alternative as their structure resembles the FP cavity modes while possessing a focused core. To study the feasibility of using Bessel beam illumination, in this Letter, ITFs of an FP etalon were measured using Bessel and Gaussian illumination beams. A Bessel beam with core size of 28 µm provided an ITF with visibility 3.0 times higher, a FWHM 0.3 times narrower, and a sensitivity 2.2 times higher than a Gaussian beam with waist 32 µm. The results show that Bessel beam illumination can provide ITFs similar to that of collimated beam illumination while also having with a focused core.
Decoding diffuse light scattering dynamics in layered tissues: path length versus fluctuation time scale
Authors: Aparanji Santosh , Zhao Mingjun , Srinivasan Vivek J.
Published: November 2023

Dynamic multiple light scattering (DMLS) has found numerous applications, including soft matter physics and biomedical optics. Yet biological tissues may have complex internal geometries, presenting a challenge for noninvasive measurements. Deciphering laminar dynamics is crucial to accurately interpret tissue or organ physiology. Seminal DMLS work noted that one can probe deeper layers indirectly by analyzing light fluctuations on shorter time scales. Recent technologies have enabled probing deeper layers directly by analyzing fluctuations at longer path lengths. The following question arises: are the indirect and direct approaches synergistic or redundant? Here, by adding an optical switch to path-length-filtered interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy, we experimentally address this question in the context of a forearm occlusion study. We find that both approaches afford better distinction of light scattering dynamics in layered tissues than either approach alone. This motivates further development of methods that integrate both decorrelation time scale and light path length to probe layered tissues.
Effect of Energy Conservation Law, Space Dimension, and Problem Symmetry on the Poynting Vector Field Singularities
Authors: Tribelsky M.
Published: November 2023

A brief review is given of the author’s recent achievements in classifying singular points of the Poynting vector patterns in electromagnetic fields of complex configuration. The deep connection between the topological structure of the force lines pattern and the law of energy conservation, the symmetry of the problem, and the dimension of the space has been unveiled.
Bismuth-doped rare-earth orthovanadates as tunable luminescence decay-time thermometers
Authors: Elashry Mohamed , Rashed Arwa , Dalipi Linda , Betke Ulf , Abram Christopher , Fond Benoit
Published: November 2023

If the temperature-sensitive range of luminescent thermometers could be continuously adjusted by the material properties, a sensor material could be selected to finely resolve key thermal phenomena occurring around specific temperatures, such as the physiological temperature or the boiling points of certain substances. In this study, solid solutions of YVO4 and ScVO4 doped with bismuth are synthesised to explore the impact of the solution composition on the phosphor luminescence properties, in particular the temperature dependence of the luminescence decay time. Substituting Sc3+ ions with the slightly larger Y3+ ions causes a continuous shift in the decay time temperature sensitivity towards higher temperatures. Using X-ray diffraction measurements, a relationship between the thermal quenching temperature and the Bi3+-V5+ interatomic distance is proposed. This paper introduces a systematic framework for tunable decay time luminescence thermometers with a peak sensitivity above 2.2%/°C at a temperature that can be adjusted anywhere between -15°C and 220°C. Owing to their microsecond decay time, the luminescence emission of these phosphors can be detected using cameras with short interframe times for temperature imaging of fast temperature transients with a precision below 1°C.
Direct amplification of femtosecond optical vortices in a single-crystal fiber
Authors: Zheng Changsheng , Du Tianyi , Zhu Lei , Wang Zhanxin , Tian Kangzhen , Zhao Yongguang , Yang Zhiyong , Yu Haohai , Petrov Valentin
Published: November 2023

Spatially twisted light with femtosecond temporal structure is of particular interest in strong-field physics and light–matter interactions. However, present femtosecond vortex sources exhibit limited power handling capabilities, and their amplification remains an ongoing challenge particularly for high-order orbital angular momentum (OAM) states due to several inherent technical difficulties. Here, we exploit a straightforward approach to directly amplify a femtosecond optical vortex (FOV, OAM=−8ℏ) by using a two-stage single-crystal fiber (SCF) amplifier system without pulse stretching and compression in the time domain, delivering 23-W, 163-fs pulses at a repetition rate of 1 MHz. The spatial and temporal features are well-conserved during the amplification, as well as the high modal purity (>96%). The results indicate that the multi-stage SCF amplifier system is particularly suited for direct amplification of high-order FOVs. The generated high-power femtosecond OAM laser beams are expected to help reveal complex physical phenomena in light–matter interactions and pave the way for practical applications in attoscience, laser plasma acceleration, and high-dimension micromachining.
Stable fundamental mode operation in semiconductor injection lasers to high power levels can be accomplished by introducing structures with lateral index guiding.
Authors: Author Unknown
Published: November 2023

Stable fundamental mode operation in semiconductor injection lasers to
high power levels can be accomplished by introducing structures with
lateral index guiding. These structures, usually, consist of two-step
growths with a blocking layer and their processing steps are
complicated, In this paper, we report on a real index-guided stripe
laser structure which can be achieved by a one-step selective area
growth technique in the metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD)
system.
Lineage Tracing Identifies Dynamic Contribution of Endothelial Cells to Cardiac Valve Mesenchyme During Development
Authors: Yang Xiaojie , Lu Furong
Published: November 2023

Heart valve disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among cardiac patients worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of heart valve disease is not clear, and a growing body of evidence hints at the importance of the genetic basis and developmental origins of heart valve disease. Therefore, understanding the developmental mechanisms that underlie the formation of heart valves has important implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of congenital heart disease. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition is a key step in initiating cardiac valve development. The dynamic changes in the relative localization and proportion of different cell sources in the heart valve mesenchymal population are still not fully understood. Here, we used the Cdh5-CreER;R26R-tdTomato mouse line to trace endocardial cushion-derived endothelial cells to explore the dynamic contribution of these cells to each layer of the valve during valve development. This is beneficial for elaborating on the role of endocardial cells in the process of valve remodeling from a precise angle.
Assessing a digital technology-supported community child health programme in India using the Social Return on Investment framework
Authors: Patil Manasi , Qureshi Athar , Naydenova Elina , Bang Anand , Halbert Jay , De Vos Maarten , Nair Poornima , Patil Madhumita , Medvedev Melissa M.
Published: November 2023

An estimated 5.0 million children aged under 5 years died in 2020, with 82% of these deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Over one-third of Mumbai’s population has limited access to healthcare, and child health outcomes are particularly grave among the urban poor. We describe the implementation of a digital technology-based child health programme in Mumbai and evaluate its holistic impact. Using an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobile health platform, we developed a programme for community-based management of child health. Leveraging an existing workforce, community health workers (CHW), the programme was designed to strengthen triage and referral, improve access to healthcare in the community, and reduce dependence on hospitals. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework is used to evaluate holistic impact. The programme increased the proportion of illness episodes treated in the community from 4% to 76%, subsequently reducing hospitalisations and out-of-pocket expenditure on private healthcare providers. For the total investment of Indian Rupee (INR) 2,632,271, the social return was INR 34,435,827, delivering an SROI ratio of 13. The annual cost of the programme per child was INR 625. Upskilling an existing workforce such as CHWs, with the help of AI-driven decision- support tools, has the potential to extend capacity for critical health services into community settings. This study provides a blueprint for evaluating the holistic impact of health technologies using evidence-based tools like SROI. These findings have applicability across income settings, offering clear rationale for the promotion of technology-supported interventions that strengthen healthcare delivery.
A disease associated mutant reveals how Ltv1 orchestrates RP assembly and rRNA folding of the small ribosomal subunit head
Authors: Blomqvist Ebba K. , Huang Haina , Karbstein Katrin
Published: November 2023

Ribosomes are complex macromolecules assembled from 4 rRNAs and 79 ribosomal proteins (RPs). Their assembly is organized in a highly hierarchical manner, which is thought to avoid dead-end pathways, thereby enabling efficient assembly of ribosomes in the large quantities needed for healthy cellular growth. Moreover, hierarchical assembly also can help ensure that each RP is included in the mature ribosome. Nonetheless, how this hierarchy is achieved remains unknown, beyond the examples that depend on direct RP-RP interactions, which account for only a fraction of the observed dependencies. Using assembly of the small subunit head and a disease-associated mutation in the assembly factor Ltv1 as a model system, we dissect here how the hierarchy in RP binding is constructed. A combination of data from yeast genetics, mass spectrometry, DMS probing and biochemical experiments demonstrate that the LIPHAK-disease-associated Ltv1 mutation leads to global defects in head assembly, which are explained by direct binding of Ltv1 to 5 out of 15 RPs, and indirect effects that affect 4 additional RPs. These indirect effects are mediated by conformational transitions in the nascent subunit that are regulated by Ltv1. Mechanistically, Ltv1 aids the recruitment of some RPs via direct protein-protein interactions, but surprisingly also delays the recruitment of other RPs. Delayed binding of key RPs also delays the acquisition of RNA structure that is stabilized by these proteins. Finally, our data also indicate direct roles for Ltv1 in chaperoning the folding of a key rRNA structural element, the three-helix junction j34-35-38. Thus, Ltv1 plays critical roles in organizing the order of both RP binding to rRNA and rRNA folding, thereby enabling efficient 40S subunit assembly.
Aligning public health and public safety: Probation as a touchpoint to identify and link patients with opioid use disorder to opioid agonist treatment
Authors: Bromberg Daniel J. , Galvez de Leon Samy J. , Litz Taylor , Azbel Lyu , Liberman Amanda R. , Polonsky Maxim , Dvoriak Sergii , Saichuk Nataliia , Taxman Faye , Altice Frederick L.
Published: November 2023

Background

People in criminal justice settings (CJS) have high rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV. Probation is part of the CJS and congregates many individuals with high rates of mental health and substance use disorders relative to the general population; nevertheless, probation remains a major improvement to incarceration. As a steppingstone to full decarceration efforts, community supervision settings like probation can be leveraged as “touchpoints” to identify and link people with OUD (and other co-morbid conditions) to treatment and reduce criminal activity.

Methodology

To determine the feasibility of a modified screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) strategy to link probationers to opioid agonist therapies (OAT) in the newly created probation system in Ukraine, we conducted a single-arm SBIRT intervention in eight probation centers in four Ukrainian administrative regions. For those screening positive for OUD, interest in OAT was assessed before and after a brief intervention. Those interested in OAT were referred to community OAT services. Participants with OUD also underwent HIV testing.

Principal findings

Of the 1,298 consecutive individuals screened, 208 (16.0%) met criteria for opioid dependence. Of these, 122 (58.7%) enrolled in brief intervention, of which 54 (44.3%) had HIV and 14 (25.9%) of these were newly diagnosed. After the brief intervention, interest in starting OAT increased significantly from a median of 7.0 to 8.0 (P = <0.001) using a 10-point scale. Thirty (N = 30; 24.6%) of the enrolled participants initiated OAT and 21 of these (70%) were retained in treatment for 6 months.

Significance

The prevalence of OUD (and HIV) is high among people in probation in Ukraine. SBIRT can identify a large number of people eligible for OAT, many of whom were willing to initiate and remain on OAT. Integrating SBIRT into probation can potentially assist with OAT scale-up and help address HIV prevention efforts.
Iron status in early infancy is associated with trajectories of cognitive development up to pre-school age in rural Gambia
Authors: McCann Samantha , Mason Luke , Milosavljevic Bosiljka , Mbye Ebrima , Touray Ebou , Colley Alhassan , Johnson William , Lloyd-Fox Sarah , Elwell Clare E. , Moore Sophie E. ,   the BRIGHT Study Team
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Iron deficiency is among the leading risk factors for poor cognitive development. However, interventions targeting iron deficiency have had mixed results on cognitive outcomes. This may be due to previous interventions focusing on the correction of iron deficiency anaemia in late infancy and early childhood, at which point long lasting neural impacts may already be established. We hypothesise that the relationship between iron status and cognitive development will be observable in the first months of life and will not be recovered by 5 years of age.

Methods

Using data from the Brain Imaging for Global Health (BRIGHT) Study in Gambia (n = 179), we conducted mixed effects modelling to assess the relationship between iron status at 5 months of age and trajectories of cognitive development from 5 months– 5 years using (i) a standardised measure of cognitive development (Mullen Scales of Early Learning) and (ii) an eye-tracking assessment of attention processing (visual disengagement time).

Results

All infants were iron sufficient at 1 month of age. At 5 and 12 months of age 30% and 55% of infants were iron deficient respectively. In fully adjusted analyses, infants in the lowest tercile of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) (best iron status) achieved MSEL Cognitive Scores on average 1.9 points higher than infants in the highest sTfR tercile (p = 0.009, effect size = 0.48). There was no evidence that this group difference was recovered by 5 years of age. Infants in the lowest sTfR tercile had visual disengagement time 57ms faster than the highest tercile (p = 0.001, effect size = 0.59). However, this difference diminished by early childhood (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Infants are at risk of iron deficiency in early infancy. A relationship between iron status and cognitive development is apparent from 5 months of age and remains observable at 5 years of age. One mechanism by which iron availability in early infancy impacts brain development may be through effects on early attentional processing, which is rapidly developing and has substantial nutritional requirements during this period. To support neurocognitive development, prevention of iron deficiency in pre- and early postnatal life may be more effective than correcting iron deficiency once already established.
Association between total bilirubin/Albumin ratio and all-cause mortality in acute kidney injury patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Ximei , Huang Yunhua , Chen Min , Liao Lin , Lin Faquan
Published: November 2023

Background

The association between the total bilirubin/albumin (B/A) and the all-cause mortality of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the relationship between B/A ratio and mortality in patients with AKI.

Methods

The clinical data of AKI patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the low and high B/A groups (B/A ≤ 0.25 and B/A > 0.25, respectively). The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were 60-day, 1-year and 4-year all-cause mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional risk models were constructed to evaluate the effect of B/A on survival outcomes.

Results

The 28-day mortality rates were 18.00% and 25.10% in the low and high B/A groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with higher B/A values had higher all-cause mortality risk (log-rank P < 0.0001). The multivariate Cox proportional risk analysis showed that B/A was an independent risk predictor for death at 28 days, 60 days, 1 year, and 4 years.

Conclusion

B/A is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in patients with AKI and may be used as a predictor of clinical outcomes in AKI.
Body image and willingness to change it—A study of university students in Poland
Authors: Platta Anna M. , Mikulec Anna T. , Radzymińska Monika , Ruszkowska Millena , Suwała Grzegorz , Zborowski Marek , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Nowicki Marcin
Published: November 2023

The present study aimed to identify declared patterns of ideal appearance among students at selected higher education institutions in Poland. In the present study, we set out to identify the body image and the propensity to change it. In order to achieve the goal of the study, a nationwide survey was carried out using a voluntary diagnostic survey. A total of 810 respondents took part in the survey. The study was conducted using a custom-made self-designed survey questionnaire with an indirect interview technique via a web-based platform (CAWI). The study results indicate that women were far more eager to maintain an attractive appearance through dieting than men. Importantly, the respondents, both women and men, did not identify influencers as role models of attractive appearance. Results of the present survey reveal that attitudes towards one’s physical appearance are diverse and influenced by the considered factors. The attributes that determined the perception of oneself as an attractive person included height, weight, and body build. Normal body weight is a key feature of an attractive appearance, according to the respondents; nevertheless, students show a higher tolerance for being overweight than for being underweight. Furthermore, preferences in this respect are largely conditioned by individual personal characteristics. According to young people, a person with an attractive appearance is one who eats and exercises regularly, and who does not fall into extremes in terms of their appearance. On the other hand, the fear of growing fat and losing one’s attractive appearance was frequently indicated among the concerns over personal appearance. Only one in five respondents expressed complete satisfaction with how they looked, with men and those with a normal BMI significantly more likely to do so. Respondents expressed readiness to undertake a range of activities related to increased exercise regime, changes in their eating habits, or seeking assistance (e.g., of a personal trainer) to achieve the desired body shape. Our findings can be used as a basis for discussion and consideration in developing educational activities on nutrition, as well as on overweight- and obesity-related health issues.
Nature based solutions for flood risks: What insights do the social representations of experts provide?
Authors: Brueder Pénélope , Schleyer-Lindenmann Alexandra , Curt Corinne , Taillandier Franck
Published: November 2023

In the context of intensification of flood risks, Nature Based Solutions constitute an interesting approach to conciliate population’s protection and biodiversity. While this recently emerging concept has been the subject of studies in social sciences, there is no work yet with a social representation approach. In this work, we propose to study Nature Based Solutions for flood risk management through the prism of social representations and how they frame the implementation of Nature Based Solutions projects in the field (obstacles and levers). We interviewed 19 flood experts who can be divided into two groups regarding Nature Based Solutions: theorists and practitioners. We studied their discourses using two types of analyses: a lexicometric analysis of the similarities and a thematic analysis. The results showed that Nature Based Solution is a social representation object in its complexity, the polarisation it creates and its technicality. The two groups of participants have different representations. The practitioners may consider the Nature Based Solutions as "greenwashing" since they are presented as new and innovative, while the theorists contrast their Nature Based Solutions’ vision with a "grey" vision influenced by French civil engineering culture and a need to control ecosystems. Both groups agree that Nature Based Solutions thinking is about "leaving more room for nature", which echoes Dunlap’s New Environmental Paradigm. Moreover, the results suggest that the expression “Nature Based Solutions” is not well suited to all actors. We encourage using the expression “vegetal engineering” which may provide an opportunity to reconnect with the techniques applied in the field. It also enhances the value of ancestral knowledge, which allows the general public to better connect with the concept.
‘Axós no mercado’: The trade of Candomblé fashion in Salvador, Bahia
Authors: Santos Daisy
Published: November 2023

This article investigates the production and consumption of Candomblé clothing in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, exploring its historical roots and significance within Afro-religious culture. The study analyses the contemporary Candomblé fashion industry, interviewing both older, established seamstresses and younger practitioners. Candomblé attire serves as a marker of identity and hierarchy within a religion that has faced historical racism and persecution. With a growing destigmatization and tourism influence, Candomblé clothing has gained visibility and commercial value. The emergence of a new generation of seamstresses contributes to the revival of traditional techniques and creates a market for Candomblé fashion. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the evolving role of Candomblé clothing in Brazilian Afro-religious culture.
¿Participar en chat de mensajería de un grupo de apoyo a la lactancia, en el que haya asesoras de lactancia, reduce las consultas en pediatría y matrona?
Authors: López Fuentes Laura , Del Valle Bonilla Lourdes , Molina Sánchez Teresa , Manrique Díaz María Cruz
Published: November 2023

Introducción 
El presente trabajo da respuesta a la siguiente pregunta: ¿Las familias lactantes que participan en un grupo de mensajería instantánea gestionado por un grupo de apoyo a la lactancia materna (GALM) en el que hay asesoras de lactancia reducen el número de consultas a pediatría y matrona en atención primaria?
Material, Métodos 
Se elaboró, en formulario Google, una encuesta anónima y autoadministrada, compuesta por 30 preguntas y se difundió entre madres lactantes participantes en grupo de mensajería instantánea gestionado por un GALM de España en el que hubiera alguna asesora de lactancia materna.
Resultados
810 participantes completaron la encuesta. 453 de ellas (55.9%) aseguran que no han necesitado acudir a la matrona después de consultar en el grupo y 252 (31.1%) no han necesitado acudir a la consulta de pediatría. El 70% de las encuestadas aseguran haber evitado al menos 1 consulta a la matrona y el 76.3% a pediatría.
Conclusiones
De los resultados se desprende que las madres lactantes consultan más sobre temas relacionados con la salud infantil que sobre la materna y que la participación reduce el número de consultas a pediatría y matrona. Se puede afirmar que los grupos de mensajería instantánea gestionados de forma altruista por GALM, que cuentan con asesoras de lactancia, otros perfiles sanitarios y madres lactantes sirven como cribado previo antes de la derivación al sistema sanitario, reduciendo así la carga asistencial por temas relativos a crianza y lactancia no clínicos, mejorando así la autoconfianza mediante la salud comunitaria.
Actitud hacia las dificultades asociadas a la lactancia materna
Authors: Muñoz Alba Estefanía
Published: November 2023

Introducción. A pesar de las recomendaciones promulgadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, las tasas globales de prevalencia de lactancia materna son bajas. La actitud y el afrontamiento de la madre hacia diversos factores físicos, sociales y emocionales pueden condicionar la duración de la lactancia. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer qué factores son críticos a la hora de afrontar con éxito la lactancia, mediante la creación de una escala de actitudes hacia algunas de las dificultades asociadas a la lactancia materna. 
Material y métodos. Se elaboró un cuestionario basado en comparaciones binarias con siete factores: cansancio, regreso al trabajo, percepción de baja producción de leche, amamantar en público, necesitar asesoramiento o ayuda, dolor asociado a problemas físicos y baja autoeficacia para la conducta de amamantar. Se seleccionaron, por muestreo consecutivo, 30 mujeres en el tercer trimestre de gestación, de las que 22 cumplimentaron correctamente el cuestionario. Finalmente, se llevó a cabo el análisis de datos mediante el Método de Thurstone.
Resultados. Se obtuvo una escala de actitud, en la que constan de mayor a menor importancia los factores: dolor físico (Z=0,561), sentido de autoeficacia (Z=0,44), regreso al trabajo (Z=0,105), percepción de baja producción de leche (Z=-0,07), necesidad de ayuda (Z= -0,07), cansancio (Z=-0,17) y amamantamiento en público (Z=-1,13).
Conclusiones. El apoyo instrumental y emocional durante la estancia hospitalaria y tras el alta favorece un mejor afrontamiento de las dificultades asociadas a la lactancia materna.
ECoLa MF: cuestionario de conocimientos en lactancia materna para residentes de medicina familiar
Authors: Rangel-Junquera Alejandra , Sampieri Clara Luz , Gutiérrez Fragoso Karina Gutiérrez Fragoso , Coutiño Rodríguez Elda María del Rocío , Álvarez Bañuelos María Teresa , Varela Cardoso Miguel , Sainz Vázquez Luis
Published: November 2023

Introducción: La Encuesta sobre Conocimientos en Lactancia (ECoLa) es una herramienta validada en España, en México no se cuenta con una similar. Los médicos de familia deben promover y apoyar la lactancia. En México, en diversos niveles existen barreras para la lactancia. El objetivo fue determinar el conocimiento en lactancia e indagar la visión sobre las barreras de la lactancia de los residentes de medicina de familia.
Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional y transversal efectuado durante el confinamiento por la COVID-19. Mediante el instrumento adaptado se determinó el conocimiento en lactancia, clasificándolo en muy insuficiente (<55 %, 0-10 puntos), insuficiente (55-69 %, 11-13 puntos), bien (70-85 %, 14-17 puntos) y excelente (>85 %, 18-20 puntos). Se diseñó una pregunta para indagar las barreras de la lactancia.
Resultados: La media de respuestas fue de 10.3/20 IC95 % (9.7-11). El 58.1 % de los residentes (n = 72) obtuvieron una puntuación por debajo de 11 puntos (muy insuficiente). Existieron diferencias en las puntuaciones de acuerdo con el sexo (11.2, IC95 % 10.4-12 vs. 9.3, IC95 % 8.5-10.1, p = 0.001), presencia de hijos (11.4, IC95 % 10.2-12.5 vs. 9.8, IC95 % 9.1-10.5, p = 0.026) y experiencia personal o de pareja en lactancia (11.3, IC95 % 10.2-12.5 vs. 9.8, IC95 % 9-10.4, p = 0.023). El 22.6 % (n = 28) de los residentes consideró que la información proporcionada en los servicios de salud puede ser una barrera para la lactancia.
Kinetic and thermodynamic study of composite with jute fiber as reinforcement
Authors: Assanvo Edja Florentin , Toure Kicoun Jean-Yves N’Zi , N’Gatta Kanga Marius , Boa David
Published: November 2023

In the present work, engineered by compression molding process via a hydraulic press, the A and B composite samples were carried out with 5% and 10% ratio respectively of Ricinodendron heudelotii oil-based alkyd resin in bio-based matrix made of unsaturated polyester using jute fibers as reinforcement material. The samples’ thermal decomposition was performed through thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) analyses. Both composite samples exhibit two stages of decomposition, where the main occurs at 200 - 550°C. Aiming to study and being able to model the thermal degradation of the elaborated composites, finding the kinetic triplets appears the best option to describe the kinetic process undergo by the composites in order to evaluate the performance application of the composites. Two non-isothermal techniques, Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger have been used to assess the activation energy Ea, and it is found that the apparent activation energy varies with the degree of conversion indicating that both composites decompose with a multiple step mechanism process. The appropriate reaction model for the second stage of decomposition was best suited with Johnson-Mel-Avrami (n<1) model and has been established, allowing us to model thermal degradation behavior of our elaborated composite material and set predictions. The estimated Arrhenius factor values were respectively about A and B composites, 4.12.1015 min-1 and 10.42.1015 min-1, allowing us to set the final equation characterizing the degradation process for the second and main decomposition stage. Finally, as a result of comparison between A and B composites, A appears to be the more thermally stable due to its lower values of Arrhenius pre-exponential factor over the main stage of decomposition and higher calculated the activation energy values.
Investigation of wind veer characteristics on complex terrain using ground-based lidar
Authors: Tumenbayar Undarmaa , Ko Kyungnam
Published: November 2023

The wind direction shift with height significantly influences wind turbine performance, particularly in relation to terrain conditions. In this work, wind conditions at 12 measurement heights ranging from 40 m to 200 m using a ground lidar, Windcube V2, installed on a 16 m tall building were analysed to examine the characteristics of wind veer angles in complex terrain. The measurement campaign was carried out from January 1st to December 31st, 2022, in the southeastern part of South Korea. The terrain complexity around the ground lidar system was evaluated using the ruggedness index (RIX), whose result was 14.06 percent corresponding to complex terrain. The ground lidar measurements were compared with mesoscale data, EMD-WRF South Korea, for the data accuracy check. Wind veer frequencies and wind roses were derived to identify directional shifts with height. Furthermore, diurnal, monthly, and seasonal variations of wind veer characteristics were analysed. Wind shear exponent factor (WSE) and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) were calculated, and wind veer profiles were constructed based on these parameters. The relative errors of wind speeds were analysed for rotor equivalent wind speed (REWS) and hub height wind speed (HHWS), with REWS with wind veer correction, REWSveer, as a reference. Additionally, atmospheric stability conditions were classified using WSE and TKE, and the vertical changes in wind veering were analysed according to the stability conditions. The findings reveal lower wind speeds exhibited larger wind veer values and fluctuations. The relative errors for the REWS and the HHWS were 0.04 % and 0.20 % on average, respectively. The study demonstrates that terrain conditions significantly impacted wind veer angles at heights below 100 m, whereas the influence diminished with increasing height above 100 m. The results could be helpful for wind farm developers to make decisions on the siting as well as the hub height of wind turbines on complex terrain