bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community-based intervention for managing hypertension and diabetes in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Kobashi Yurie , Haque Syed Emdadul , Sakisaka Kayako , Amir Isamu , Kaneko Megumi , Mutahara Mahmuda , Mubassara Sanzida , Kashem Abul , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: January 2024

Background

Approximately 80% of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been reported in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, studies on the usefulness of educational interventions run by non-healthcare workers in combating NCDs in resource-limited areas in rural parts of LMICs are limited. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of a community-based simple educational program run by non-healthcare trained staff for several outcomes associated with NCDs in a resource-limited area.

Methods

Six villages in the Narail district in Bangladesh were selected, two each in the first and second intervention and the control groups, in the Narail district in Bangladesh were selected. Pre- and post-intervention survey data were collected. The first intervention group received the “strong” educational intervention that included a checklist poster on the wall, phone call messages, personalized advice papers, seminar videos, and face-to-face seminars. The second intervention group received a “weak” intervention that included only a checklist poster on the wall in their house. The outcome was the proportion of NCDs and changes in systolic blood pressure and blood sugar level. Confidential fixed-effects logistic regression and multiple linear regression were performed to identify the effectiveness of the intervention.

Results

Overall, 600 participants completed the baseline survey and the follow-up survey. The mean systolic blood pressure reduced by 7.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.6–9.9) in the first intervention group, 1.9 mm Hg (95% CI − 0.5–4.2) in the second intervention group, and 4.7 mm Hg (95% CI 2.4–7.0) in the control group. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the between-group differences in the decline in systolic blood pressure were significant for the first intervention versus control (p = 0.001), but not for the second intervention versus control (p = 0.21). The between-group differences in the reduction in blood glucose after the intervention, were not significant on multiple linear regression analysis.

Conclusions

Community-based educational interventions for NCDs provided by non-healthcare staff improved the outcomes of hypertension and risk behaviors. Well-designed community-based educational interventions should be frequently implemented to reduce NCDs in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries.

Trial registrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; UMIN000050171) retrospectively registered on January 29, 2023.
Cases of fatal electrocution due to contact between carbon fibre fishing rods and overhead power lines
Authors: Rzepczyk Szymon , Świderski Paweł , Obst Maciej , Rusek Damian , Bożek Beata , Żaba Zbigniew , Żaba Czesław
Published: January 2024

Background

Electrocution caused by electricity conducted via overhead power lines carries a high risk to health and life. With the introduction and proliferation of conductive carbon fibre fishing tackle, severe and fatal electrocution occurs due to accidental contact with overhead transmission lines.

Case presentation

The paper presents three cases of men who died due to electrocution from a conductive fishing rod, which occurred in the same fishery over several years. The deaths occurred on the spot in two cases despite rapid rescue efforts. One of the men died in the hospital the following day due to developing severe complications. Additionally, all of the victims were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. During postmortem diagnosis, skin lesions were identified as signs of electric shock on the hands and feet in each case. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no similar case series available in the literature where several almost identical fatal electrocutions occurred in the same place as a result of contact of a fishing rod with overhead power lines.

Conclusions

Action is needed to avoid similar incidents and to increase safety in the vicinity of power lines.
In silico analysis of mutation spectrum of Ehlers–Danlos, osteogenesis imperfecta, and cutis laxa overlapping phenotypes in Iranian population
Authors: Khosravi Teymoor , Naghipoor Karim , Vaghefi Fatemeh , Falahati Ali Mohammad , Oladnabi Morteza
Published: January 2024

Background

Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS), osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), and cutis laxa (CL) are three rare and heterogeneous connective tissue disorders. Patients with these syndromes have similar manifestations and unpredictable prognosis, making a misdiagnosis highly probable. Some of their subtypes are inherited in autosomal recessive patterns, so they are expected to be prevalent in populations like Iran, where consanguineous marriages are common. In the current work, a cohort of Iranian patients with overlapping phenotypes of the EDS/OI/CL and their mutation spectrum was defined. Based on this, in silico analysis was conducted to anticipate further probable genetic variations. Pathogenicity of EDS, OI, and CL variants in Iranian patients was evaluated using Web servers. A protein interaction network was created by String database and visualized using a Python-based library. The Iranome database was used to predict other genetic mutations in all reported genes of EDS, OI, and CL syndromes.

Results

In the EDS/OI/CL overlap phenotype, 32 variants in 18 genes have been involved. At least 59% of patients were from families with consanguineous marriages. Interaction analysis showed thatCOL1A1,COL1A2,CRTAP,LEPRE1,PLOD1, andADAMTS2have the most significant impact within the protein network of EDS/OI/CL overlap phenotype. Analyzing the Iranome database revealed 46 variants of EDS, OI, and CL genes potentially disease causing.

Conclusion

The overlapping phenotype of EDS, OI, and CL syndromes requires genetic testing (e.g., whole-exome sequencing) to reveal respective variants, which helps to diagnose more accurately and manage the disease more effectively. Particularly in populations with high rates of consanguineous marriages, such as Iran, genetic screening plays a crucial role in premarital and prenatal counseling to prevent the transmission of these rare connective tissue disorders.
Evaluation of service-user and clinician feedback of ‘Beth’: a new digital tool in South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Authors: Ragupathy D. , Arroyo B. , Gillett G.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Conventional healthcare records are generally inaccessible to service-users. ‘Beth’ is a digital tool in South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust which allows service-users to self-monitor symptoms, set therapeutic goals, access aspects of clinical records and communicate with care teams.

Objectives

To explore service-user and clinician perspectives of Beth, and to understand how Beth might impact clinical care.

Methods

Service-user and clinician users completed an online questionnaire. Likert-scale and free-text response questions covered user experience, impact on clinical care and suggested improvements. N=26 service-users and 43 clinicians completed the questionnaire. Quantitative and qualitative analyses are presented.

Results

Service-users reported the most useful features were tracking sleep and mood, messaging their care team, logging coping strategies and viewing care plans, goals and upcoming appointments. A majority reported Beth improved clinical assessments and they would recommend it to others. Barriers to using Beth included navigational difficulties, lack of access to internet or hardware, needing to register for an account and forgetting to use it. Clinicians reported booking appointments, messaging service-users, sharing care plans and accessing mood diaries were the most useful features. However, many clinicians did not use Beth regularly. Barriers included difficulties using Beth, finding it time-consuming and reportedly poor service-user adherence.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight potential benefits of digital tools in mental health care, alongside numerous barriers and suggested improvements. Limitations include a small sample size and lack of objective user data. Future work may involve qualitative interviews, analysis of objective usage data and trialing improvements in service design.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Non-equilibrium phase transitions in active rank diffusions
Authors: Touzo L. , Le Doussal P.
Published: January 2024

We consider N run-and-tumble particles in one dimension interacting via a linear 1D Coulomb potential, an active version of the rank diffusion problem. It was solved previously for N = 2 leading to a stationary bound state in the attractive case. Here the evolution of the density fields is obtained in the large-N limit in terms of two coupled Burger's type equations. In the attractive case the exact stationary solution describes a non-trivial N-particle bound state, which exhibits transitions between a phase where the density is smooth with infinite support, a phase where the density has finite support and exhibits “shocks”, i.e., clusters of particles, at the edges, and a fully clustered phase. In the presence of an additional linear potential, the phase diagram, obtained for either sign of the interaction, is even richer, with additional partially expanding phases, with or without shocks. Finally, a general self-consistent method is introduced to treat more general interactions. The predictions are tested through extensive numerical simulations.
Robot-assisted homecare for older adults: A user study on needs and challenges
Authors: Su Zhidong , Liang Fei , Sheng Weihua , Bishop Alex
Published: January 2024

Background As the older adult population increases there is a great need of developing smart healthcare technologies to assist older adults. Robot-based homecare systems are a promising solution to achieving this goal. This study aims to summarize the recent research in homecare robots, understand user needs and identify the future research directions. Methods First, we present an overview of the state-of-the-art in homecare robots, including the design and functions of our previously developed ASCC Companion Robot (ASCCBot). Second, we conducted a user study to understand the stakeholders’ opinions and needs regarding homecare robots. Finally, we proposed the future research directions in this research area in response to the existing problems. Results Our user study shows that most of the interviewees emphasized the importance of medication reminder and fall detection functions. The stakeholders also emphasized the functions to enhance the connection between older adults and their families and friends, as well as the functions to improve the efficiency and productivity of the caregivers. We also identified three major future directions in this research area: human-machine interface, learning and adaptation, and privacy protection. Conclusions The user study discovered some new useful functions that the stakeholders want to have and also validated the developed functions of the ASCCBot. The three major future directions in the homecare robot research area were identified.
Taxonomic notes with update of records of Trigona (Dichrotrigona) Engel, 2021 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: Ribeiro Cristiano Feitosa , Nogueira David Silva , Oliveira Marcio Luiz de
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we provide taxonomic notes for species of the Trigona (Dichrotrigona) Engel, 2021, with additional photographs. An identification key and a distribution map of the species of this subgenus is also provided here. We also update records of Trigona (Dichrotrigona) sesquipedalis Almeida, 1984 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) with the first records for the state of Roraima, Brazil.
Trajektoria przywództwa premierowskiego Hanny Suchockiej
Authors: Leszczyńska-Wichmanowska Krystyna
Published: January 2024

Hanna Suchocka took the post of Prime Minister as a result of political calculation, and not by winning the parliamentary elections in the style of Margaret Thatcher or Angela Merkel. Undoubtedly, her candidacy was determined by the fact that she was a poorly recognised, ordinary MP of the Democratic Union (UD), who did not betray greater political aspirations. She was thus not of a threat in the game of power. She was delegated to take the position of prime minister in response to the need for change, at the same time assuming that she would bring the stereotypical image of a woman with its communality attributes, i.e. amicability, submission, willingness to co-operate. Before taking the office, she was MP for several years, but she did not have any prior experience in government administrative positions. The appointment of the first woman in Poland to the post of Prime Minister took place at a time when the government had to carry out reforms aimed at mitigating the social and economic consequences of the systemic transformation. Public support for Hanna Suchocka was 73%. This was a very high rate given the fact that she took her post during a period when it was particularly difficult to come to and retain power.
A psychological and legal analysis of the figurines in the sand picture of a 12-year-old girl induced into a “marriage” with a man in his late 40’s
Authors: Kemigisha Rachael , Tushemereirwe Juliet , McDonnell Rob , Cabe Ian Mc
Published: January 2024

This article seeks to explore the symbolism of Sandplay figurines in relation to a 12-year-old girl who was induced into a child “marriage” with a man in his late forties. By analysing the Sandplay figurines, this article aims to shed light on the psychological and physical impact of child “marriage” on the child. The narrative expressed through the placement of figurines emphasizes the vulnerability and loss of childhood felt by the child, while also highlighting the involvement of archetypal key figures such as the stepmother, father, step sisters, close relatives and neighbours in the arrangement and the cajoling of the child into “marriage”. These archetypal figures tap into the collective unconscious and are represented in fairytales such as Cinderella and in the opera Madame Butterfly. The role of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which all African countries have ratified, will be considered. While the UNCRC does not specifically refer to Child “Marriage”, some of the articles can be used to condemn Child “Marriage” and protect child victims from what is a paedophiliac practice. In contrast, the African Convention on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), article 21(2), explicitly refers to child marriage, deems it to be illegal and makes several recommendations on how governments can protect and support child victims of this practice.
Experience of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in adults: Twelve case series from a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Na Ji Eun , Kim Ji Eun , Park Sujin , Kim Eun Ran , Hong Sung Noh , Kim Young-Ho , Chang Dong Kyung
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

While primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is considered a rare condition, there have been several reported cases in adults. Nevertheless, the absence of clear guidance from diagnosis to treatment and prognosis poses challenges for both physicians and patients.

AIM

To enhance understanding by investigating clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prognoses in adult PIL cases.

METHODS

We enrolled adult patients diagnosed with PIL between March 2016 and September 2021. The primary outcome involved examining the diagnosis and treatment process of these patients. The secondary outcomes included identifying complications (infections, thromboembolism) and assessing prognoses (frequency of hospitalization and mortality) during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Among the 12 included patients, peripheral edema (100%) and diarrhea (75%) were the main presenting complaints. Laboratory tests showed that all the patients exhibited symptoms of hypoalbuminemia and hypogammaglobulinemia. Radiologically, the predominant findings were edema of the small intestine (67%) and ascites (58%). The typical endoscopic finding with a snowflake appearance was observed in 75% of patients. Among the 12 patients, two responded positively to octreotide and sirolimus, and eight who could undergo maintenance therapy discontinued subsequently. Complications due to PIL led to infection in half of the patients, thromboembolism in three patients, and one death.

CONCLUSION

PIL can be diagnosed in adults across various age groups, with different severity and treatment responses among patients, leading to diverse complications and prognoses. Consequently, tailored treatments will be necessary. We anticipate that our findings will contribute to the management of PIL, an etiology of protein-losing enteropathy.
Perceived stress among staff in Saudi Arabian dental colleges before and after an accreditation process: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shaiban Amal S
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Accreditation processes are extensively employed to guarantee the quality of higher education institutions. However, this process can potentially generate a stressful atmosphere for staff, thus impacting their ability to perform optimally under pressure.

AIM

To examine the knowledge of the National Commission for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (NCAAA) and its effects on perceived stress among dental college staff before and after the program accreditation process.

METHODS

The present cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 300 employees from three dental colleges. The same employees had to fill out the questionnaire 1 mo after the NCAAA process.

RESULTS

Approximately 51.33% of the included employees believed that NCAAA is essential to attract quality students to join the program before and after the program. A total of 44.67% felt that their stress was high before, and 31.33% had low stress levels before and after NCAAA. These findings were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NCAAA raised the prestige of the institution and specific programmes and increased prospects to attract better students, staff, and money, according to the employees. In addition to their needed teaching, research, and other service responsibilities, this work requires a tremendous amount of faculty effort and may cause them stress.
LOS CLAROSCUROS DEL NO-DO
Authors: CLARET MIRANDA JAUME
Published: January 2024

El franquismo, como el resto de los regímenes autoritarios contemporáneos, puso especial empeño en el control discrecional de la información y de los medios de comunicación. Por su continuidad en la emisión y por su riqueza documental, destacó especialmente el caso del noticiario cinematográfico conocido popularmente como NO-DO. Esta pervivencia lo ha convertido en una importante (y seductora) fuente histórica sobre la dictadura y la sociedad españolas. Sin embargo, sin un uso suficientemente atento y crítico, pueden producirse ciertos riesgos de sesgo sobre los que advierte el presente artículo.
Method to derive the infrared complex refractive indices n(λ) and k(λ) for organic solids from KBr pellet absorption measurements
Authors: Peterson Kelly A. , Francis Ryan M. , Banach Catherine A. , Bradley Ashley M. , Burton Sarah D. , Erickson Jeremy D. , Lockwood Schuyler P. , Jensen Karissa L. , Yokosuk Michael O. , Johnson Timothy J. , Myers Tanya L.
Published: January 2024

Obtaining the complex refractive index vectors n(ν~) and k(ν~) allows calculation of the (infrared)
reflectance spectrum that is obtained from a solid in any of its many
morphological forms. We report an adaptation to the KBr pellet
technique using two gravimetric dilutions to derive quantitative n(ν~)/k(ν~) for dozens of powders with greater
repeatability. The optical constants of bisphenol A and sucrose are
compared to those derived by other methods, particularly for powdered
materials. The variability of the k values for bisphenol A was examined
by 10 individual measurements, showing an average coefficient of
variation for k peak heights of 5.6%. Though no
established standards exist, the pellet-derived k peak values of bisphenol A differ by
11% and 31% from their single-angle- and ellipsometry-derived values,
respectively. These values provide an initial estimate of the
precision and accuracy of complex refractive indices that can be
derived using this method. Limitations and advantages of the method
are discussed, the salient advantage being a more rapid method to
derive n/k for those species that do not readily
form crystals or specular pellets.
40 Gb/s multimode all-optical regenerator based on the low-loss silicon-based nanowaveguide
Authors: Yang Zihao , Dong Wenchan , Fan Zhuang , He Shiqi , Chen Nuo , Li Hanghang , Zhou Heng , Zhang Xinliang , Xu Jing
Published: January 2024

With the increasing demand for communication capacity, all-optical regeneration of multimode signals is a helpful technology of network nodes and optical signal processors. However, the difficulty of regenerating signal in higher-order modes hinders the practical application of multimode all-optical regenerators. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate the 40 Gb/s all-optical regeneration of NRZ-OOK signal in TE0 and TE1 modes via four-wave mixing (FWM) in the low-loss silicon-based nanowaveguide. By optimizing the parameters of waveguide section to enhance FWM conversion efficiency of two modes, and introducing Euler bending to reduce crosstalk between modes, the transmission loss of the silicon waveguide is 0.3 dB/cm, and the FWM conversion efficiency of the multimode regenerator is as high as -9.6 dB (TE0) and -13.0 dB (TE1). Both modes achieve extinction ratio enhancement of about 6 dB after regeneration. This silicon-based all-optical regenerator has great application potential in all-optical signal processing systems.
Sub-10-fs pulse generation from 10 nJ Yb-fiber laser with cascaded nonlinear pulse compression
Authors: Kang Donguhn , Otsu Toshio , Tani Shuntaro , Kobayashi Yohei
Published: January 2024

We demonstrate cascaded nonlinear pulse compression of a Yb-doped fiber laser. The system is based on two pulse compression stages with bare single-mode fiber (SMF) and ultra-high NA (UHNA) fibers combined with two pairs of chirped mirrors. The 10 nJ, 110 fs input pulses are compressed down to 9.1 fs at 90 MHz, revealing a broadband spectrum from 800 nm to 1350 nm. This technique provides a simple approach to sub-10-fs compact Yb-doped fiber lasers for a variety of applications.
Coherent control of an optical tweezer phonon laser
Authors: Zhang K. , Xiao K. , Luntz-Martin D. , Sun P. , Sharma S. , Bhattacharya M. , Vamivakas A. N.
Published: January 2024

The creation and manipulation of coherence continues to capture the attention of scientists and engineers. The optical laser is a canonical example of a system that, in principle, exhibits complete coherence. Recent research has focused on the creation of coherent, laser-like states in other physical systems. The phonon laser is one example where it is possible to amplify self-sustained mechanical oscillations. A single mode phonon laser in a levitated optical tweezer has been demonstrated through appropriate balance of active feedback gain and damping. In this work, coherent control of the dynamics of an optical tweezer phonon laser is used to share coherence between its different modes of oscillation, creating a multimode phonon laser. The coupling of the modes is achieved by periodically rotating the asymmetric optical potential in the transverse focal plane of the trapping beam via trap laser polarization rotation. The presented theory and experiment demonstrate that coherence can be transferred across different modes of an optical tweezer phonon laser, and are a step toward using these systems for precision measurement and quantum information processing.
High-speed telescope autofocus for UAV detection and tracking
Authors: Ojdanić Denis , Zelinskyi Daniil , Naverschnigg Christopher , Sinn Andreas , Schitter Georg
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the analysis, implementation and experimental evaluation of a high-speed automatic focus module for a telescope-based UAV detection and tracking system. An existing optical drone detection system consisting of two telescopes and deep learning-based object detection is supplemented by suitable linear stages and passive focus algorithms to enable fast automatic focus adjustment. Field tests with the proposed system demonstrate that UAVs flying at speeds of up to 24 m/s towards the system are successfully tracked and kept in focus from more than 4500 m down to 150 m. Furthermore, different search functions and contrast measures are evaluated and it is shown that the Tenengrad operator combined with the Hill Climbing search function achieve the best performance for focusing on fast moving small UAVs.
Fabrication and characterization of a two-dimensional individually addressable electrowetting microlens array: erratum
Authors: Gilinsky Samuel D. , Zohrabi Mo , Lim Wei Yang , Supekar Omkar D. , Bright Victor M. , Gopinath Juliet T.
Published: January 2024

The authors present an erratum to update the Acknowledgements section in their published article, [“Fabrication and characterization of a two-dimensional individually addressable electrowetting microlens array,” Opt. Express 31, 30550 (2023)10.1364/OE.497992].
Morphology-dependent terahertz electrical conductivity of liquid-exfoliated graphite
Authors: Loh Harrison , Gyawali Sunil , Sierros Konstantinos A. , Bristow Alan. D.
Published: January 2024

Liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) is a promising and scalable technique to
produce low-cost dispersible nanosheets of graphene and nano-graphite
for electronic, optoelectronics, and photonics applications.
Fundamental information about how LPE affects the electrical
properties is lacking. Here, a relationship is provided between the
morphology of nano-graphite flakes resulting from LPE and cascade
centrifugation to the charge-carrier transport properties. A range of
process parameters, such as centrifuge force and exfoliation solvent,
are employed, leading to a range of flake sizes. Morphology is
characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy
and optical profilometry. Raman spectroscopy is used to confirm
morphology, crystallite size, and chemical properties. Terahertz
time-domain spectroscopy with a Drude-Smith conduction model provides
the charge-carrier concentration and scattering times from AC
conductivity. Carrier concentration increases with a reduction in
flake area, potentially resulting from the introduction of electronic
defect states at the edge of the nano-crystallites. Meanwhile, the
carrier scattering time decreases with decreased flake size, similarly
due to this self-doping that increases the carrier-carrier scattering.
The approach and results serve as a foundation for understanding the
processing-dependent electrical characteristics of LPE flakes and
nanosheets.
An investigation of rotation rate sensitivity of
a quantum optomechanical gyroscope with
two coupled cavities
Authors: Saghafifar Hossein , Mahdavi Vahid , Davoudi-Darareh Mahdi
Published: January 2024

In this article, we have shown the design of a quantum optomechanical gyroscope,
which is formed by combining a Michelson interferometer with a quantum optomechanical
cavity coupled with a simple Fabry-Perot cavity, all located on a rotating table. The
optomechanical cavity contains one movable mirror. The movement of the mirror is in both
directions of the cavity axis(x-direction) and perpendicular to it(y-direction). A micro-piezoelectric carries out the movement of the mirror in the y-direction and is sinusoidal with
the natural vibration frequency of the mirror in the x-direction. Despite the movement of the
mirror in the y-direction and also the rotation of the gyroscope around the z-axis, the virtual
Coriolis force enters the mirror in the x-direction. This affects the movement of the mirror,
which was previously caused by thermal fluctuations and radiation pressure force. Also, the
presence of a simple Fabry-Perot cavity and its coupling with the optomechanical cavity helps
us to control the amount of energy entering the optomechanical cavity and consequently the
radiation pressure inside it. Then in an optimal limit, we can get the best value of gyroscope
sensitivity. In this article, we were able to achieve a sensitivity of 2.97 × 10−15 𝑟𝑎𝑑⁄𝑠
√𝐻𝑧
in
angular velocity measurement by using this structure for the gyroscope. At the end of this
article, by drawing Alan deviation diagrams in four temperatures 𝑇 = 0𝐾, 1𝑚𝐾, 10𝐾, 300𝐾,
the values of the two basic parameters of gyroscopes, namely ARW and BS were obtained
Chromatin phase separated nanoregions explored by polymer cross-linker models and reconstructed from single particle trajectories
Authors: Papale Andrea , Holcman David
Published: January 2024

Phase separated domains (PSDs) are ubiquitous in cell biology, representing nanoregions of high molecular concentration. PSDs appear at diverse cellular domains, such as neuronal synapses but also in eukaryotic cell nucleus, limiting the access of transcription factors and thus preventing gene expression. We develop a generalized cross-linker polymer model, to study PSDs: we show that increasing the number of cross-linkers induces a polymer condensation, preventing access of diffusing molecules. To investigate how the PSDs restrict the motion of diffusing molecules, we compute the mean residence and first escaping times. Finally, we develop a method based on mean-square-displacement of single particle trajectories to reconstruct the properties of PSDs from the continuum range of anomalous exponents. We also show here that PSD generated by polymers do not induces a long-range attracting field (potential well), in contrast with nanodomains at neuronal synapses. To conclude, PSDs can result from condensed chromatin organization, where the number of cross-linkers controls molecular access.
Experiences of oncology researchers in the Veterans Health Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Becker Daniel J. , Csehak Kenneth , Barbaro Alexander M. , Roman Stefanie D. , Loeb Stacy , Makarov Danil V. , Sherman Scott , Lim Sahnah
Published: January 2024

The Veterans Health Administration is chartered “to serve as the primary backup for any health care services needed…in the event of war or national emergency” according to a 1982 Congressional Act. This mission was invoked during the COVID-19 pandemic to divert clinical and research resources. We used an electronic mixed-methods questionnaire constructed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation (COM-B) model for behavior change to study the effects of the pandemic on VHA researchers. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to 118 cancer researchers participating in national VHA collaborations. The questionnaire received 42 responses (36%). Only 36% did not feel that their research focus changed during the pandemic. Only 26% reported prior experience with infectious disease research, and 74% agreed that they gained new research skills. When asked to describe helpful support structures, 29% mentioned local supervisors, mentors, and research staff, 15% cited larger VHA organizations and 18% mentioned remote work. Lack of timely communication and remote work, particularly for individuals with caregiving responsibilities, were limiting factors. Fewer than half felt professionally rewarded for pursuing research related to COVID. This study demonstrated the tremendous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on research activities of VHA investigators. We identified perceptions of insufficient recognition and lack of professional advancement related to pandemic-era research, yet most reported gaining new research skills. Individualizing the structure of remote work and ensuring clear and timely team communication represent high yield areas for improvement.
A participatory approach to model the neighbourhood food environment
Authors: Karapici Amanda , Cummins Steven
Published: January 2024

Inequalities in exposure to a health-promoting local food environment have been implicated in the generation of inequalities in diet-related behaviours and outcomes, including obesity and diabetes. Increasingly, poor diet and diet-related disease have been characterised as an emergent property of a complex system and, as such, the drivers of poor diet may be better understood by using a complex system perspective. In this study, we describe a participatory approach for understanding the system drivers of unhealthy food consumption. System dynamics (SD) was used to identify, understand, and visualise the elements of the neighbourhood food retail system that influence individuals’ eating behaviour. Group Model Building (GMB), undertaken online with stakeholders (n = 11), was used to funnel existing knowledge and evidence on urban food environments and to build a conceptual system map of the local food retail environment inclusive of the drivers that influence the decision to purchase and consume meals that are high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS), and calories. The GMB was organised as a knowledge elicitation process involving a questionnaire, a workbook, and a structured workshop. The GMB generated a comprehensive causal loop diagram (CLD) of the retail environment inclusive of the drivers that influence the decision to purchase and consume unhealthy meals. The CLD was designed around two main variables (i) exposure to food outlets and (ii) food consumption. The system map built during the Group Model Building session linked exposure to food outlets with the possibility to purchase and consume unhealthy meals. The effectiveness of this link will be tested in an Agent-Based model. The conceptual model illustrates the complexity of the factors responsible for inequalities in unhealthy eating. The GMB approach provides a basis for building an agent-based model for local authorities to characterise their food retail environment, uncover potential leverage points for interventions and test them ‘in silico’ in a virtual environment.
Projected health and economic effects of the increase in childhood obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic in England: The potential cost of inaction
Authors: Ochoa-Moreno Iván , Taheem Ravita , Woods-Townsend Kathryn , Chase Debbie , Godfrey Keith M. , Modi Neena , Hanson Mark
Published: January 2024

Background

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in young children rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we estimate the potential future health and economic effects of these trends in England.

Methods

Using publicly available annual Body Mass Index (BMI) data from 2006–2022, we calculated the increase in overweight/obesity prevalence (BMI ≥85th reference percentile) during the COVID-19 pandemic among children aged 4–5 and 10–11, and variation by deprivation and ethnicity. We projected the impact of child BMI trends on adult health measures to estimate added lifelong medical and social costs.

Results

During 2020–2021 there were steep increases in overweight and obesity prevalence in children. By 2022, overweight and obesity prevalence in children aged 4–5 returned to expected levels based on pre-pandemic trends. However, overweight and obesity prevalence in children aged 10–11 persisted and was 4 percentage points (p<0.001) higher than expected, representing almost 56,000 additional children. The increase was twice as high in the most compared with the least deprived areas. The additional lifelong healthcare cost in this cohort will amount to £800 million with a cost to society of £8.7 billion. We did not find an increase in maternal obesity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, however, prevalence grew faster in the post pandemic period.

Discussion

The return of overweight and obesity prevalence to pre-pandemic trends in children aged 4–5 provides a clear policy target for effective intervention to tackle this growing and serious population health concern.
PROSPECTS FOR MODIFYING THE STRUCTURE OF CHITIN AND CHITOSAN OF HIGHER FUNGI TO EXPAND THE POTENTIAL OF THEIR APPLIED USE
Authors: Minakov Denis Viktorovich , Egorova Elena Yur'yevna , Markin Vadim Ivanovich , Bazarnova Natal'ya Grigor'yevna
Published: January 2024

The review is devoted to summarizing scientific data in the field of the chemical structure and properties of chitin and chitosan obtained from fungal biomass, and to analyzing directions for their modification for use in medicine and the food industry as substances with antibacterial, antiviral, wound-healing and anticoagulant activity. The features of chitin biosynthesis by fungi of the Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, Deuteromycota departments and chitosan biosynthesis by fungi of the Zygomycota department are covered. It has been shown that higher fungi contain chitin in their cell walls in the form of a chitin-glucan complex, while lower fungi (zygomycetes) contain chitin in the form of chitosan-glucan. Effective components of substrates that influence the production of polysaccharides by fungi have been identified - carbohydrates in the form of glucose, sucrose and maltose, organic forms of nitrogen in the form of yeast extract and corn flour, mineral components in the form of dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium monohydrogen phosphate. Particular attention is paid to methods for isolating chitin and modifying it to chitosan with a detailed description of the physicochemical and biological properties of polymers. The review also presents the main reactions and methods for obtaining carboxymethyl and sulfo derivatives of chitin and chitosan. The biological properties and application of these groups of substances are described. In the carboxymethylation of chitin and chitosan, the choice of appropriate reaction conditions and reagents makes it possible to obtain carboxymethyl chitin, N-, O-, N,O-carboxymethylchitosan, or N,N-dicarboxymethylchitosan. The properties and applications of carboxymethyl derivatives of chitin and chitosan strongly depend on their structure, degree of substitution, and arrangement of amino or hydroxyl groups. The main reagents in the preparation of carboxymethyl derivatives are sodium monochloroacetate, monochloroacetic and glyoxalic acids. Carboxymethyl derivatives of chitin and chitosan are used as drug delivery systems, antimicrobial agents, in tissue engineering, as components of cosmetics and food products. Modification of chitosan with sulfate groups makes it possible to obtain chitosan 2-N-, 6-O-, 2-N-6-O- and 3-O-sulphates. The main sulfonating agents are oleum, pyridine and chlorosulfonic acid. Sulfonic derivatives of chitin and chitosan can be used as a basis for obtaining hemocompatible materials (with antithrombotic and antibacterial activities).
EFIKASI PEMBERIAN SUSU KACANG KEDELAI HITAM (Glycine soja) TERHADAP KADAR KOLESTEROL TOTAL LANSIA
Authors: Pratiwi Dyan Eriska , Widiany Fery Lusviana , Sari Puspita Mardika
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBackground: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the risk factors of coronary heart disease. Antioxidants in black soy milk are known to lower total cholesterol levels. Those antioxidants are isoflavone and lecithin.Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of black soy milk provision on total cholesterol levels in elderly.Methods: This study was quasi experimental with one group intervention pre-post test without control design. This study was conducted at Unit Pelaksana Teknis (UPT) Rumah Pelayanan Sosial Lanjut Usia Budhi Dharma, Yogyakarta, in 2020. As many as 18 respondents taken by purposive sampling method in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criterias. The intervention given was providing 250 ml of black soy milk in a day for 7 days. Total cholesterol levels measured using the easy touch. Data was statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon test.Results: The mean of cholesterol level in pre-intervention was 222,22 mg/dl, while in post-intervention was 206,33 mg/dl. There was a reduction in cholesterol levels of 15,89 mg/dl during the intervention of the provision of black soybean milk. The result of statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a value of p=0,045 (p<0,05).Conclusion: The provision of black soy milk significantly effects on the decreasing of total cholesterol levels in elderly.Keywords: Black soy (Glycine soja); elderly; hypercholesterolemiaABSTRAKLatar belakang: Hiperkolesterolemia merupakan salah satu faktor risiko penyakit jantung koroner. Antioksidan dalam susu kedelai hitam diketahui dapat menurunkan kadar kolesterol total. Antioksidan tersebut adalah isoflavon dan lesitin.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian susu kedelai hitam terhadap kadar kolesterol total pada lansia.Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian quasi eksperimen dengan rancangan satu kelompok intervensi pre-post test tanpa kontrol. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Unit Pelaksana Teknis (UPT) Rumah Pelayanan Sosial Lanjut Usia Budhi Dharma Yogyakarta pada tahun 2020. Sebanyak 18 responden diambil dengan metode purposive sampling sesuai dengan kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Intervensi yang diberikan adalah pemberian susu kedelai hitam sebanyak 250 ml dalam sehari selama 7 hari. Kadar kolesterol total diukur menggunakan easy touch. Data dianalisis statistik menggunakan uji Wilcoxon.Hasil: Rata-rata kadar kolesterol pre-intervensi sebesar 222,22 mg/dl, sedangkan post-intervensi sebesar 206,33 mg/dl. Terjadi penurunan kadar kolesterol sebesar 15,89 mg/dl selama intervensi pemberian susu kacang kedelai hitam. Hasil analisis statistik menggunakan uji Wilcoxon signed-ranks menunjukkan nilai p=0,045 (p<0,05).Simpulan: Pemberian susu kedelai hitam berpengaruh nyata terhadap penurunan kadar kolesterol total pada lansia.Kata kunci: Hiperkolesterolemia; kedelai hitam (Glycine soja); lansia.
Marek Kuryłowicz, Symbol prawa ludzkiego. Szkice o prawie rzymskim w utworach Louisa Aragona i Mieczysława Jastruna, 2008
Authors: Pikulska-Radomska Anna
Published: January 2024

Recenzja: Marek Kuryłowicz, Symbol prawa ludzkiego. Szkice o prawie rzymskim w utworach Louisa Aragona i Mieczysława Jastruna, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej, Lublin 2008.
Polska Komisja Likwidacyjna (1918-1919). Podstawy prawne działalności i aktywność prawodawcza
Authors: Przeniosło Marek
Published: January 2024

The Polish Liquidation Committee was formed in Kraków on 28 October 1918. Its founders belonged to different political parties that were active in Galicia at the beginning of the 20th century. Their action was prompted by the imminent fall of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. However, the Committee held the actual power in Western Galicia for the first three months only as from the very beginning the plan was that the reign over the whole Galicia would be soon taken over by a government in Warsaw. The Committee consisted of 23 former deputies Reichsrat, headed by Wincenty Witos. It operated through 12 departments, of which the Administrative Department played a key role. The first official guidelines according to which the Committee was to continue its activities were passed at a plenary session on 4 December. The main task was to prepare grounds for making Galicia part of the Polish territory. While carrying out that task, the Committee was to "temporarily hold the legislative as well as executive power." The legislative powers covered practically all aspects of the economic and social life, and the main legislative acts included a decision to liquidate the two tier (state and county) local authorities and create one organ of local representation in the person of a commissaire. Consequently, some further changes in the composition of self-governing organs followed. Foreign policy, however, and to some extent military matters, were excluded from the Com[1]mittee's scope of competences.
Quotient spaces of K3 surfaces by non-symplectic involutions fixing a curve of genus 8 or more
Authors: Hayashi Taro
Published: January 2024

Let X be a K3 surface and let g be a non-symplectic involution of X such that the fixed points set contains a curve of genus 8 or more. In this paper, we show that the quotient space X/〈g〉 is determined by the fixed points set and the action of g on rational curves on X.
New sextics of genus 6 and 10 attaining the Serre bound
Authors: Iezzi Annamaria , Kawakita Motoko Qiu , Timpanella Marco
Published: January 2024

We provide new examples of curves of genus 6 or 10 attaining the Serre bound. They all belong to the family of sextics introduced in [19] as a generalization of Wiman’s sextics [38] and Edge’s sextics [9]. Our approach is based on a theorem by Kani and Rosen which allows, under certain assumptions, to fully decompose the Jacobian of the curve. With our investigation we are able to update several entries in the table www.manypoints.org, see [37].
Screening of different growth conditions of Bacillus subtilis isolated from membrane-less microbial fuel cell toward antimicrobial activity profiling
Authors: Sreedharan Dharni Kuhan , Alias Hartini , Makhtar Muaz Mohd Zaini , Shun Tan Joo , Mokhtar Ana Masara Ahmad , Shukor Hafiza , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Alam Mahboob , Kapoor Riti Thapar , Rafatullah Mohd
Published: January 2024

Bacteriocins produced by Bacillus subtilis have gained recognition for their safe use in humans. In this study, we aimed to assess the inhibitory activity of an antimicrobial peptide synthesized by the wild-type strain of B. subtilis against the notorious pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our investigation employed the broth microdilution method to evaluate the inhibitory potential of this peptide. Among the four different pathogen strains tested, P. aeruginosa exhibited the highest susceptibility, with an inhibition rate of 29.62%. In parallel, we explored the cultivation conditions of B. subtilis, recognizing the potential of this versatile bacterium for applications beyond antimicrobial production. The highest inhibitory activity was achieved at pH 8, with an inhibition rate of 20.18%, indicating the potential for optimizing pH conditions for enhanced antimicrobial peptide production. For the kinetics of peptide production, the study explored different incubation periods and agitation levels. Remarkably, the highest activity of B. subtilis was observed at 24 h of incubation, with an inhibition rate of 44.93%. Finally, the study focused on the isolation of the antimicrobial peptide from the cell-free supernatant of B. subtilis using ammonium sulfate precipitation at various concentrations. The highest recorded activity was an impressive 89.72% achieved at an 80% concentration.
Examining L2 studentsʼ development of global cohesion and its relationship with their argumentative essay quality
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: January 2024

Cohesion is vital for connecting messages in writing, but there has been a dearth of studies focusing on the development of cohesion. Taking a Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) perspective, this longitudinal case study investigated the development of L2 learnersʼ use of global cohesion and its relationship with their argumentative writing quality over an academic year. Four English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners at a university in Western China were invited to participate in this study and requested to write 31 argumentative essays each over an academic year from March 2019 to January 2020. The resampling and Monte Carlo simulations were utilized to examine the characteristics demonstrated in the development path of and the interaction between global cohesion devices as well as the relationship between global cohesion and the text quality of argumentative essays. Statistical results showed inter- and intra-individual variability in the learnersʼ development of global cohesion devices and their interactions, as well as the relationship between global cohesion and L2 writing quality. The findings suggest that the studentsʼ development of global cohesion in argumentative writing is a slow process and necessitates teaching interventions.