bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International Cooperation in Overcoming Digital Inequality: Legal Frameworks, Barriers and Development Parameters
Authors: Belikova K. M. , Dias Martins R. , Kazanba E. T.
Published: January 2025

Objective: based on a systematic analysis of the actual level of international cooperation in overcoming digital inequality, to determine the parameters of its further development, taking into account modern legal and other barriers and global challenges caused by the transition from the knowledge economy to the data economy.

Methods: the methodological basis of the research is represented by dialectics, comparative legal and historical legal approaches, and the method of system analysis.

Results: the problem of digital inequality was considered in the following key aspects: access to the Internet; differences in the level of digital literacy; features of technology use and the versatility of digital inequality. It is noted that access to the Internet and digital technologies should become one of the fundamental human rights in order to ensure equal opportunities for all segments of society, since initially the crystallization of clearly expressed digital differences is based on the existing offline social differences. It was established that, in order to successfully overcome digital inequality, the key global task is to develop digital skills and literacy among the population. It is also important to stimulate the rational use of technologies and ensure people’s understanding of working with both the technologies and the data obtained through them. The authors propose to expand and deepen cooperation between developed and developing countries so that the latter can produce more data that may serve as a metric and a basis for creating development strategies. At the same time, greater transparency should be ensured by providing effective and accessible means so that the data owner can clearly understand who and why processes their personal data. The article argues that the transition from the knowledge economy to the data economy requires the adaptation of international cooperation strategies to ensure equitable access to both data and their processing. This may accelerate scientific discoveries and support inclusive economic development. The issues of fragmentation and defragmentation of international law are analyzed.

Scientific novelty: it is due to the current lack of scientific results concerning the level of international cooperation achieved so far in overcoming digital inequality given the parameters of its systemic development and the main (legal and other) barriers.

Practical significance: the study results can be used to improve the legal framework and strategies for international cooperation in overcoming digital inequality to ensure equitable access to data and their processing.
The evolutionary history of the field vole species complex revealed by modern and ancient genomes
Authors: Baca Mateusz , Bujalska Barbara , Popović Danijela , Golubiński Michał , Alves Paulo C , Bard Edouard , Berto Claudio , Cuenca-Bescós Gloria , Dalén Love , Fewlass Helen , Fadeeva Tatyana , Herman Jeremy , Horáček Ivan , Krajcarz Magdalena , Law Matthew , Lemanik Anna , López-García Juan Manuel , Luzi Elisa , Murelaga Xabier , Mahmoudi Ahmad , Peresani Marco , Parfitt Simon , Pauperio Joana , Pavlova Svetlana , Pazonyi Piroska , Rodríguez Iván Rey , Searle Jeremy B , Stojak Joanna , Strukova Tatyana , Wójcik Jan M , Nadachowski Adam
Published: January 2025

Background
The field vole, an abundant and widespread microtine rodent, is a complex comprising three cryptic species. The short-tailed field vole (Microtus agrestis) is present over much of Eurasia, the Mediterranean field vole (Microtus lavernedii) in southern Europe, and the Portuguese field vole (Microtus rozianus) is limited to western Spain and Portugal. Previous research has shown high genomic differentiation of these three lineages; however, the details of the process underlying their divergence remain unknown.
Results
We analysed 46 mitogenomes and 16 nuclear genomes of modern specimens, and 75 mitogenomes and 12 nuclear genomes of ancient specimens spanning the last 75 thousand years, to investigate the evolutionary history of this species complex. We estimated the divergence of Portuguese from short-tailed and Mediterranean field voles to be ca. 220 ka ago and of the latter to be ca. 110 ka ago, earlier than previous estimates involving only modern sequences. The divergence times we obtained match those between major mitochondrial lineages of cold-adapted and steppe rodents in Europe. We found signatures of gene flow within and between field vole lineages, with some analyses suggesting a hybrid origin of the Mediterranean lineage. Ancient specimens from the Italian Peninsula revealed a previously unrecognised lineage that showed evidence of genetic exchange with other populations.
Conclusions
The pattern of genetic variation in the field vole species complex demonstrates unequivocally the impact of stadial-interstadial cycles in generating recurrent episodes of allopatry and connectivity of populations, a situation which could only be revealed by our dense genomic sampling over time.
Discovery of alternative stable states in a synthetic human gut microbial community
Authors: Faust Karoline , Garza Daniel , Liu Bin , de Velde Charlotte van , Saha Pallabita , Zhou Xingjian , Gonze Didier , Simoens Kenneth , Bernaerts Kristel
Published: January 2025

Several human-associated microbial communities exist in multiple configurations and can change their composition in response to perturbations, remaining in an altered state even after the perturbation ends. Multistability has been previously proposed to explain this behavior for gut microbiota in particular, but has not been clearly demonstrated experimentally. Here, we first investigated the life history strategies of three common human gut bacteria to identify mechanisms driving alternative states. We then used this data to build and parameterize a kinetic model, which predicted that alternative states emerge due to phenotype switching between subpopulations of the same species. Perturbation experiments supported these predictions, and confirmed the existence of alternative states. Finally, simulations showed that phenotype switching can also explain alternative states in larger communities. Thus, a transient perturbation combined with metabolic flexibility is sufficient for alternative communities to emerge, implying that they are not necessarily explained by differences between individuals.
One-Sentence Summary: We demonstrate the existence of alternative states in a human gut microbial community and propose phenotype switching as a mechanism explaining their emergence.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Oxidative Desulfurization of Dibenzothiophene of Metal Oxide-Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Ahmad Nur , Hanifah Yuliza , Arsyad Fitri Suryani , Lesbani Aldes
Published: January 2025

Mg/Al-TiO2 and Mg/Al-ZnO were successfully prepared for dibenzothiophene catalytic oxidative desulfurization. XRD, FTIR, TEM, and BET analyses were utilized to characterize the catalyst. In composites, the distinctive XRD patterns of precursors are still observable. FTIR spectra of the absorption bands at 3448, 1627, 1381, 601, and 547 cm− 1. The TEM pictures of the sample also revealed the almost spherical and hexagonal platelets of Mg/Al-LDH and its composite. Mg/Al LDH, Mg/Al-TiO2, and Mg/Al-ZnO had typical pore sizes of 35.78 nm, 52.81 nm, and 38.37 nm, respectively. The graph of nitrogen isotherms Mg/Al LDH, Mg/Al-TiO2, and Mg/Al-ZnO followed type IV isotherms. In addition. The conversion rates on Mg/Al-ZnO, Mg/Al-TiO2, ZnO, Mg/Al-LDH, and TiO2 were 99.34%, 99.50%, 91.20%, 96.29%, and 88.06%, respectively. This work presents alternative materials for the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene in practical applications.
The ups and downs of brain stress: Extending the triple network hypothesis
Authors: Henze Gina-Isabelle
Published: January 2025

Background: This pre-registered functional magnetic resonance imaging study aimed to test and possibly extend the triple network hypothesis of psychosocial stress processing, positing that responses in the salience (SN) and default mode network (DMN) dominate at the expense of the central executive network (CEN).
Methods: We reviewed psychosocial stress studies and conducted a mega-analysis of N=459 ScanSTRESS-datasets (222 women) with harmonized preprocessing (ENIGMA HALFpipe).
Results: Our findings disconfirmed the original hypothesis, revealing activations and deactivations across all three networks, related in a complex way to hormonal, cardiac, subjective, and performance parameters. Additionally, we replicated an exposure-time effect of decreasing activation, identified a novel age effect of increasing DMN-activation, sex-specific patterns, and confirmed the involvement of all networks by task-based connectivity.
Conclusions: These results suggest a new, extended triple network hypothesis of psychosocial stress processing, describing that SN- and DMN-structures orchestrate hormonal, cardiac, and subjective stress responses, while CEN- and DMN-structures process the stress-eliciting tasks.
Substituting leguminous crops for summer maize with optimal nitrogen fertilization strategies to improve soil ecosystem multifunctionality and crop production in semi-humid region
Authors: Cui Nan , Qi Tianxiang , chen zhen , Wang Jiayi , Ma jing , Liu Enke , Meruyert Medelbek , Jia Zhikuan , Siddique Kadambot H.M. , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2025

Legume crop rotation and moderate nitrogen application have been widely recognized in maintaining crop production and improving soil quality. However, the mechanism of how soybean stubble combined with appropriate nitrogen reduction regulates winter wheat growth, nitrogen uptake, and especially soil ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), remain unclear. Therefore, a two-year field experiment was conducted using three different preceding crops (Fallow-F, Soybean-B and Maize-M) and three nitrogen application rates (N0, N1 and N2) to investigate the effects of legume pre-crops and reduced nitrogen input on winter wheat root growth, above-ground dry matter accumulation and distribution, nitrogen uptake and utilization, as well as the impact on yield and soil EMF within the cropping system. Compared with F and M stubbles, B significantly promoted the aboveground and underground growth of winter wheat, and increased nitrogen uptake by 27.48% and 33.35%, respectively. With the increase of nitrogen application rate, the root growth, aboveground dry matter accumulation and nitrogen absorption of winter wheat increased under each stubble, and the nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE) was significantly higher than N2 at N1 level. B stubble also significantly improved wheat yield, annual economic benefits and EMF, with the best performance observed at N1, where the economic benefits of BN1 were on average 70.87% higher, and EMF was 4.17 times higher than other treatments. Pearson correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between winter wheat root dry weight (RWD), above-ground biomass and grain nitrogen accumulation, as well as a positive correlation between EMF and wheat yield. These findings highlight the close relationship between winter wheat root and above-ground growth and nitrogen uptake, while also revealing the importance of soil EMF in wheat yield. This study provides theoretical support for incorporating legumes into cropping systems to reduce chemical nitrogen fertilizer use and enhance soil ecosystem multifunctionality.
Rice Bran Extract attenuates cognitive impairment by enhancing pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion in STZ-induced diabetic rats targeting the PPARγ/PDX1 pathway
Authors: Youssef Madonna Magdy , El-Yamany Mohammed Farrag , Abdel-Kader Reham Mahmoud , Heikal Ola Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Type I diabetes (T1D), also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that causes gradual destruction of pancreatic cells and leads to intellectual disability, neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and impaired learning ability in children. Despite standard treatment with synthetic human insulin, T1D patients can maintain up to 40% of their insulin-producing islets. PPARγ receptor activation research that aims to restore β-cell biology could help reverse the loss of pancreatic mass that comes with getting older and improve β-cell function. Egyptian RB ethanol extract (RBE), previously reported with PPARγ agonist activity, showed an increase in insulin secretion both in vivo and in INS-1 cells. The exact antidiabetic RBE mechanism is still unclear. The present study aims to investigate the molecular RBE mechanism in glucose-stimulating insulin secretion and restoration of β cell function. A diabetic rat streptozotocin (STZ) model was used; five groups were designed. The STZ-diabetic rats were treated with RBE daily for 21 days compared to an insulin-treated group. Biochemical parameters and quantitative RT-PCR of β-cell genes related to the PPAR/PDX1 signaling pathway were performed, and the influence on cognitive ability was confirmed by behavioral testing (Y-maze and NOR) and histological examination. The RBE-treated group reversed blood glucose, Glut2, Ca2+, and insulin levels in diabetic rats, with pancreatic insulin levels significantly increasing compared to the insulin group. With the exception of PDX1, RBE boosted PPARγ, SERCA, and PrKC gene expression. RBE also restored cognitive functions. This study suggests that RBE may enhance memory and cognition by increasing peripheral insulin secretion through PPARγ regulator activity.
Thermal acclimation dampens the warming-induced increase in ecosystem respiration
Authors: Wang Junna , Reed David , Classen Aimee , Knohl Alexander , Varlagin Andrej , Ouimette Andrew , Desai Ankur , Heinesch Bernard , Hanson Chad , Gough Christopher , Still Christopher , Bonal Damien , Yakir Dan , Baldocchi Dennis , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina , Sanchez-Cañete Enrique , Vivoni Enrique , Euskirchen Eugenie , Manca Giovanni , Starr Gregory , Simioni Guillaume , Limousin Jean-Marc , Wood Jeffrey , Chen Jiquan , Dušek Jiří , Šigut Ladislav , Montagnani Leonardo , Gu Lianhong , Arain Altaf , Bret-Harte Marion , Schmidt Marius , Ueyama Masahito , Peichl Matthias , Rodeghiero Mirco , Delpierre Nicolas , Buchmann Nina , Blanken Peter , Staebler Ralf , Malone Sparkle
Published: January 2025

Global warming increases ecosystem respiration (ER), creating a positive carbon-climate feedback. Thermal acclimation, the direct responses of biological communities to reduce the effects of temperature changes on respiration rates, is a critical mechanism that compensates for warming-induced ER increases and dampens this positive feedback. However, the extent and effects of this mechanism across diverse ecosystems remain unclear. By analyzing CO2 flux data from 93 eddy covariance sites worldwide, we observed thermal acclimation at 84 % of the sites. If sustained, thermal acclimation could reduce projected warming-induced nighttime ER increases by at least 25 % across most climate zones by 2041-2060. Strong thermal acclimation is particularly evident in ecosystems at high elevation, with low-carbon-content soils, and within tundra, semi-arid, and warm-summer Mediterranean climates, supporting the hypothesis that extreme environments favor the evolution of greater acclimation potential. Moreover, ecosystems with dense vegetation and high productivity such as humid tropical and subtropical forests generally exhibit strong thermal acclimation, suggesting that regions with substantial CO2 uptake may continue to serve as strong carbon sinks. Conversely, some ecosystems in cold continental climates show signs of enhancing thermal responses, the opposite of thermal acclimation, which could exacerbate carbon losses as climate warms. Our study underscores the widespread yet climate-specific patterns of thermal acclimation in global terrestrial ER, emphasizing the need to incorporate these patterns into Earth System Models for more accurate carbon-climate feedback projections.
Headache and Psychiatric Comorbidities: Insights from a Newly Established Government Medical College Handwara, Kashmir
Authors: Dar Mansoor Ahmad , Amin Rehana , Sheikh Javid Ahmad , Roub Mehroosh , Bashir Nadeem , Ahmad Owais , Sani Sunayah
Published: January 2025

Background Handwara, located in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir, India, is a region profoundly impacted by prolonged conflict and socio-political instability, leading to widespread mental health challenges among its population. The newly established Government Medical College (GMC) in Handwara is crucial in addressing these issues, particularly through its Department of Psychiatry. Aim This paper examines the pattern of psychiatric disorders in patients with headaches in a peripheral tertiary care hospital.
Methods It was a cross-sectional structured clinical interview assessing all patients attending the Psychiatry OPD with headache as the chief complaint. A total of 650 consecutive consenting patients aged more than 18 years with headaches were enrolled in the study. The diagnostic tools used were a structured questionnaire, ICHD-3, and M.I.N.I. plus. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were done to find the relation between different variables.
Results The majority of the patients were females presented with vascular headaches in the age group of >18-55 years. The most common psychiatric morbidities found were depressive disorders and panic disorder. A statistically significant correlation was found between headaches and psychiatric disorders.
Conclusion The high prevalence of mental health disorders such as depressive disorders, nicotine use disorders, somatic symptom disorders, and panic disorders indicate the need for enhanced evaluation of patients with headaches to improve outcomes. Longstanding untreated mental disorders can be a reason for chronic non-relieving and disabling headaches.
Association between the Naples prognostic score and survival of patients diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer complicated by pulmonary infection
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Zhao Wei , Zhou Linan , Liu Yan
Published: January 2025

Objective
To assess the association between the Naples Prognostic Score (NPS) and survival in stage IV lung cancer patients with pulmonary infection.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 327 patients with stage IV lung cancer and pulmonary infection from January 2022 to January 2024. Data collected within 24 hours of admission included basic information, laboratory indices, and survival status. The NPS, calculated from albumin, total cholesterol, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte/mononuclear cell ratio, was compared between survival and death groups. Logistic regression analyses identified biomarkers associated with in-hospital death risk, and the ROC curve evaluated the predictive efficacy of NPS and biomarkers. Subgroup analysis focused on patients receiving adjuvant immunotherapy.
Results
The cohort had a mean age of 73 ± 10 years, with 55.96% males. In-hospital mortality was 12.5% (41/327). Patients who died had significantly higher WBC, DD, CRP, and NPS levels upon admission (P < 0.05). NPS (OR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.02–1.27, P = 0.02) and DD (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1-1.1, P = 0.04) were significantly linked to in-hospital mortality, particularly in immunotherapy patients. The AUC for NPS was 0.75, and combining NPS with DD increased the AUC to 0.81 (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
NPS at admission is significantly associated with survival outcomes in stage IV lung cancer patients with pulmonary infection, especially among those receiving immunotherapy. The combination of NPS and DD levels improves predictive accuracy, benefiting clinical decision-making and patient management.
Social Security Practices for Professional Athletes
Authors: Gökduman Çiğdem , Temel Cenk , Alper Yusuf
Published: January 2025

Background: This study investigated the integration of professional athletes into social security systems to enhance their welfare. It comprehensively examined the risk factors that necessitate social security for athletes across various sports disciplines. Moreover, it explored the conditions required for professional athletes to be recognized as insured employees (sports workers) within the sports industry. This research offers a definitive guide to the occupational, physiological, and socioeconomic risks professional athletes encounter, highlighting branch-specific differences in necessary social security measures.
Method: A phenomenological qualitative research design was employed. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews using an 11-question form developed by the researcher. Purposeful sampling ensured diverse perspectives among the 22 participants, including unofficial and open professional athletes, club directors, national coaches, international referees, sports agents, social security experts, and private insurance specialists. NVivo 10 software facilitated data analysis, with findings presented through content and descriptive analysis.
Results: The overarching theme identified was "Social Risks in Sports," with seven subthemes encompassing Work Accidents and Injury in Sports, Disease in Sports, Maternity in Sports, Unemployment in Sports, Disability in Sports, Old Age in Sports, and Death in Sports. The results reveal distinct risk factors in sports, necessitating tailored social security provisions. The study also demonstrates that conditions can be established to safeguard professional athletes against these social risks through specialized practices.
Conclusion: This research confirms the significant impact of occupational, physiological, and socioeconomic risks on the careers of both active and retired athletes transitioning into various sports-related fields. It underscores the critical importance of a secure future and social security protection for athletes to achieve optimal performance and motivation. Addressing these concerns through specialized policies will likely enhance success in sports and encourage broader participation.
Sharing of relevant medication information through discharge summaries in an acute setting – perspectives from hospital-based physicians, general practitioners and clinical pharmacists
Authors: Revell Joo Hanne Poulsen , Rasmussen Nathalie Fogh , Schlünsen Maja , Brandt Frans , Gammelgaard Morten , Holtved Eva , Søndergaard Jens , Wolff Donna Lykke , Kjeldsen Lene Juel
Published: January 2025

Background
Poor-quality discharge summaries, particularly regarding medication information, can lead to adverse drug events, readmissions or even to death. Therefore, effective medication communication across sectors is crucial, especially for multimorbid elderly patients, who are at high risk due to polypharmacy and complex needs. While pharmacists’ recommendations improve discharge quality, they also add to the information flow. This focus group interview study aims to explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the current exchange of medication information in discharge summaries between an emergency hospital department and general practice to tailor the communication of recommendations from a clinical pharmacist after a medication review ensuring a safer transition between healthcare sectors for patients in Denmark.
Methods
A semi-structured focus group interview was conducted with nine healthcare professionals from primary and secondary healthcare sector. Data were synthesized independently by two researchers using thematic analysis.
Results
In total, the focus group interview included nine participants (four hospital-based physicians (including a clinical pharmacologist), three general practitioners (GPs), and two clinical pharmacists). We identified three themes each including three sub-themes from the thematic analysis: Theme 1) Challenges with the usability and implementability of medication content in discharge summaries with sub-themes concentrated on key information, lack of information and usability of updated medication lists. Theme 2) Different healthcare practices affect the management of medication information from discharge summaries in which the sub-themes were concentrated on time constraints, color coding interpretation and information load, and theme 3) How to tailor pharmacist-led recommendations from medication reviews focusing on information regarding polypharmacy and medication compliance, evidence-based information and information directed to the outpatient clinics.
Conclusion
This study highlights new knowledge crucial for tailoring the communication of recommendations from a clinical pharmacist: there is a need for concise medication information in discharge summaries focused on medication changes, reasons for these changes, polypharmacy, compliance and recommendations requiring GP review. Improving discharge summaries requires standardized routines, shared format understanding, and innovative technology to ensure that GPs can easily find, comprehend, and act on medication information. Moreover, exchange of medication information for outpatients were perceived challenging and needs further exploration.
Continuous Professional Development Activity Practices and Challenges among Medical Science Educators in their Early Academic Career
Authors: Leminie Abebaye , Mekasha Amha
Published: January 2025

Background: Continuous professional development (CPD) practices improve professional expertise. The practices are affected by different factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the CPD activity practices and challenges among medical science educators in their early academic careers.
Materials and methods: One hundred ninety-five medical educators from all departments in the School of Medicine and School who teach medical students have participated in this study. Proportional allocation and simple random sampling techniques were used to select each participant from each department. Socio-demographic and other data were collected using self-administered pretested questionnaires. A points Likert scale was used to assess the extent of participants’ agreement on different issues. Data were entered and processed using SPSS version 25.0. Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were also used to determine parameter mean differences between groups.
Results: Participants’ attitude toward the CPD activity practices was above the mean (mean: 3.92). It was significantly affected by academic rank and monthly salary (t (193) =-2.33, p= .02 and t (193) =-2.21, p=.03, respectively). However, the level of participants' engagement in the CPD activity practices was medium (mean: 2.90) and was affected by academic rank (t (193) = -3.06; p =.003), monthly salary (t (193) = -2.84; p=.005), educational experiences (F (3,191) = 4.22; p = .006), support from senior mentors (F(3,191) = 4.84;p = .003), support from institution (F(3,191) = 9.03; p = .000), support from departments (F(3,191) = 4.39;p =.005) and participants attitude level (F(2, 192) = 4.66;p = .012). Support from mentors (mean: 2.57), Departments (mean: 2.67), and College (mean: 2.33) were low, medium, and low, respectively. Institutional-related challenges were a strong predictor for low CPD activity practices than personal-related challenges (3.36 .82 Vs 2.73.69; t (194) = 9.04; p=.000).
Conclusion: Although participants had a positive attitude toward the CPD activities, their practices were medium and affected by institutional-related challenges. Support from senior mentors, College, and department heads are required to improve CPD practices.
Prior Research on Additive Manufacturing of Superconducting Radio frequency Cavity for Particle Accelerators
Authors: Moon In Yong , Han Seung Jun , Ham Min Ji , Kim Won Rae , Song Yeonghwan
Published: January 2025

With the advent of the quantum technology era, there is a growing interest in the development of fundamental research equipment in related fields. Particle accelerators are crucial tools in the study of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, playing a significant role in the advancement of quantum technology. The key component of particle accelerators, the superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavity, is traditionally manufactured using conventional methods such as deep drawing and electron beam welding with pure niobium (Nb) sheets. However, this manufacturing process has drawbacks, including low material yield and electrical non-uniformity due to the presence of welded joints. To overcome these shortcomings, this study focused on the development of SRF cavity manufacturing technology using additive manufacturing (AM). Before producing the cavity with pure Nb, preliminary research was conducted using relatively inexpensive pure titanium powder to assess the feasibility of AM for the cavity's shape. Prior to performing the AM of the cavity, process analysis based on finite element method was conducted to verify the level of thermal deformation and stress distribution in the parts and optimal support design was suggested to ensure dimensional precision. After the completion of AM, a barrel finishing and turning process were performed to enhance the inner surface quality and dimensional accuracy of cavity cell. As a result, it was confirmed that the shape of cavity could be successfully manufactured through the AM method.
Digital health in Portugal: Exploring perceptions, barriers, and experiences through a focus group study
Authors: Estrela Marta , Leitão Catarina , Ferreira Pedro Lopes , Roque Fátima , Herdeiro Maria Teresa
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Digital health (DH) has been rapidly expanding over the last years, with new technologies aimed at improving healthcare services quality and effectiveness and patient empowerment. However, DH adoption and usage is not equal to everyone, and is heavily dependent on several individual and contextual factors. Thus, with this study, we aim to explore the main perceptions, barriers, and experiences with DH in Portugal.
Methods
This study was conducted using a qualitative research design, in the form of focus groups. Participants were recruited through the dissemination of the study via e-mail, through several institutions, and social media posts. The focus group sessions were conducted with six to eight participants, via Zoom videoconference. All the sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis was performed.
Results
Thirty-four participants agreed to take part in this study, and five focus group sessions were conducted, until saturation was achieved. After thematic analysis, seven main themes were identified: 1) DH concepts; 2) experiences with DH; 3) health information; 4) advantages of DH; 5) concerns towards DH; 6) barriers to DH access and use; 7) solutions to improve the DH framework.
Conclusion
Despite the digital health framework improvement throughout the years, a lot needs to be done to make digital health truly accessible to everyone in Portugal. Concerns regarding equitable access, digital health literacy, infrastructure, patient-healthcare professional relationship and AI are some of the many dimensions that must be considered when working towards digital transformation in healthcare.
Stability models regulate the adaptation of male sterility-based chilli hybrids for agro-ecologically diverse regions
Authors: Singh Vivek , Sharma Akhilesh , Kumar Nimit , Rana Neha , . Srishti
Published: January 2025

The Chilli (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L.) cultivars are highly sensitive to diverse agroclimatic conditions. The research presents a significant contribution by identifying high-yielding and stable hybrids for wider adaptability using genetic male sterility (GMS). The study was conducted in seven diverse environments by following conventional farming under field conditions in five locations of North-western Himalaya along with naturally ventilated polyhouse conditions using conventional and natural farming practices using 12 GMS based hybrids and 4 check varieties to identify the phenotypic stability for yield and its related attributes. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design replicated thrice during summer season of 2021 in the respective environments. Joint regression analysis revealed significant Genotype (G) × Environment (E) interaction and E + (G × E) for all the traits. Eberhart and Russel model revealed stability of seven hybrids for green fruit yield with DPCHYB 10 (627.68 g/plant) and DPCHYB 5 (583.50 g/plant) got top ranks. G + GE biplot model extrudes that Berthin (E5) was the most representative and discriminating environment for green fruit yield and was suitable for selecting generally adapted hybrids. Mean vs stability biplot indicated the superiority of DPCHYB 10 and DPCHYB 5 for green fruit yield. ‘Which won where’ polygon view of GGE biplot model showed that DPCHYB 10 was the most stable and high yielding hybrid with wider adaptability in most of the environments except Palampur (E1) where DPCHYB 5 was the most responsive and adaptive.
Vitamin B 12 is essential for growth, innate immunity, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism and ammonia tolerance in Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Medagoda Nalin , Lee Kyeong-Jun
Published: January 2025

This study assessed the optimum dietary vitamin B12 requirement of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, for growth, feed efficiency, hemocyte counts, innate immunity and ammonia stress resistance. Semi-purified experimental diets were prepared by adding vitamin B12 at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg (Con, CB0.5, CB1.0, CB2.0 and CB4.0) and a negative control (NCon) diet was prepared with 0.3% tetracycline hydrochloride. Four replicate groups of shrimp (0.17±0.01 g, 32 shrimp per tank) were fed one of the diets at 3-6% body weight for eight weeks. CB2.0 diet significantly increased weight gain and feed efficiency of the shrimp compared to Con diet. The expressions of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -1, IGF-binding protein, regulatory-associated protein of mammalian target of rapamycin-like, crustin, methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase-like genes in hepatopancreas were significantly upregulated with increasing dietary vitamin B12 levels. Total hemocyte count, nitroblue tetrazolium, lysozyme and antiprotease activities were significantly increased with higher vitamin B12 inclusion levels than 1.00 mg/kg. Phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and survival during the ammonia challenge were significantly higher in C2.0 group than in Con group. After the challenge test, C4.0 and C1.0 groups exhibited significantly higher nitroblue tetrazolium and phenoloxidase activities, respectively. Increasing dietary vitamin B12 levels linearly increased hemolymph, hepatopancreas and fecal vitamin B12 levels. The polynomial regression analysis of final body weight in response to dietary vitamin B12 levels indicated that the optimum dietary vitamin B12 requirement for Pacific white shrimp is 2.02 mg/kg.
Antibacterial-Resistant Genes (ABRG) Associated With Bloodstream Infections In Patients Receiving Treatment: A Case Study Of Nigeria Airforce Medical Center Onikan, Lagos State
Authors: Ekeleme Uzochukwu Godswill
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The antibacterial-resistant genes (ABRG) associated with bloodstream infections in patients (BSI-PAP) receiving treatment at the Nigerian Air Force Medical Centre, Onikan, Lagos State, were studied from October 2023 to June 2024. BSI-PAP was defined as BSI diagnosed within 48 hours of hospitalization.
Methods: Hospital waste samples were analyzed for bacterial contamination and antibiotic resistance adhering to microbiological standards.
Results: The prevalence of BSI-PAP was 30 out of 315 discharges (9.5%). The likelihood of being admitted with BSI-PAP was greatest in patients with diabetes mellitus, previous hospitalization, renal failure, and chronic dermatitis. The odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 4.96 (95% CI = 1.37-7.32), 2.59 (95% CI = 0.29-4.9), 2.39 (95% CI = −0.17-4.89), and 1.32 (95% CI = 0.37-4.29). Among the patients admitted with BSI-PAP who were tested with culture media with one of the seven organisms examined (n = 30), the largest proportion had S. scurissp Lentus (n = 6, 35.3%), followed by S. gallinarum (n = 3, 17.6%), S. eqourum (n = 3, 17.6%), E. cloacaeSSP (n = 5, 11.8%), B. capacia complex (n = 7, 5.9%), S. xylulosus(n = 1, 5.9%), and C. freundi (n = 5, 5.9%). Approximately 76% (13) of BSI-PAP cases with these organisms had antibiotic-resistant. In general, 86% of individuals examined with SSA culture media had antibiotic-resistant strains, while 78% had EMB and 75% MAC strains (p = 0.0001). Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently involved in BSI in this study (56.7%) than gram-positive bacteria (43.3%). The most frequently isolated bacterium was B. cepaciacomplex (23.3%); others in descending order were as follows: S. scuri ssp. lentus (20%), E. cloacae ssp., and C. freundi (16.7%). S. gallinarumand S. equourum (10%) and S. xylulosus (3.3%). The drug resistance pattern of gram-positive isolates; Gentamicin Erythromycin and Erythromycin Sulfamethoxazole Tetracycline resistance phenotypes were most common in patients aged 18 to 29 years (54%), while among the gram-negative isolates. Erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin resistance phenotypes were most common in the 30-year-old age group. Erythromycin (85%), gentamicin (55%), sulfamethoxazole (54%), and tetracycline (24%) were commonly used to treat BSI in younger adults, while erythromycin (96%), ciprofloxacin (72%), tetracycline (66%), and ampicillin (60%) were mainly used by middle-aged patients and are easily available without medical authorization. The high antimicrobial resistance has been demonstrated in clinical bacterial isolates (S. scuri ssp. lentus, S. gallinarum, S. eqourum, and S. xylulosus) of BSI-PAP to commonly prescribed antibiotics, particularly gentamicin, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. There was a high prevalence of resistant genes of TEM, CTX-M, SHV, and VEB types.
The high-permeability cellulose nanocrystals carrier facilitates zinc utilization and enhances nsLTP2-mediated plant immunity
Authors: Sun Xianchao , Wang Jing , Xiang Shunyu , Wang Xiaoyan , Shen Yang , Liu Changyun , Zhu Xin , Liu Weina , Wang Shanzhi , Ma Xiaozhou , Huang Jin
Published: January 2025

Zinc (Zn2+) is an essential micronutrient that regulates plant growth, immunity, and antiviral defense mechanisms. However, its limited bioavailability often necessitates excessive application, resulting in inefficiencies in production and environmental stress. In response, we propose an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to enhance the utilization of Zn2+. We developed CNC@PDA@Zn2+ by embedding Zn2+ into the polydopamine (PDA) coating of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Leveraging the high cell permeability of CNCs, this material increased the transport capacity of Zn2+ in plants and demonstrated the ability to inactivate viral particles in vitro. Moreover, CNC@PDA@Zn2+ showed a superior induction of resistance while reducing Zn2+ content, specifically by reprogramming the expression and localization of the resistance-related non-specific lipid transfer protein 2 (nsLTP2), which enhanced the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway in plants. Furthermore, the high conservation of nsLTP2 in flowering plants increases the potential application range of CNC@PDA@Zn2+. Importantly, CNC@PDA@Zn2+ represents the most effective Zn2+-based antiviral nanomaterial to date, achieving its effects at the lowest reported Zn2+ concentration. Overall, our results highlight that CNC@PDA@Zn2+ can more effectively upregulate the conserved nsLTP2, thereby inducing viral defense responses via the SA pathway. This strategy not only improves the operation and utilization rate of Zn2+ but also reduces its environmental residues, laying a theoretical foundation for the development of antivirus defense.
Changes in Functional Brain Connectivity of Electroencephalography while Learning to Touch-type
Authors: Gutiérrez David
Published: January 2025

The functional brain connectivity of electroencephalography (EEG) data that was acquired during the process of learning how to touch-type using the Colemak keyboard distribution is analyzed in this paper. The partial directed coherence (PDC) of the EEG alpha, beta, and gamma rhythms was used to assess the functional brain connectivity at different learning stages. As result, connectivity patterns common to the volunteers of the learning process are found as representative of underlying brain processes. In particular, functional connectivity within alpha brain rhythm in low-difficulty learning tasks exhibit greatest desynchronization in the parietal lobes, which may be an indication of good performance during those tests. Widespread increase of fronto-central brain connectivity in the alpha band during the high-difficulty lesson is shown as a reflection of refined attention allocation and effective motor program processing. Beta modulation during motor planning is also reflected through an increase of frontal functional connectivity, as well as repetition suppression by a decrease in gamma connectivity. Finally, the use of metrics from complex network theory allowed to associate channels P4, F4, Cz, and C4 as important to processes such as attention, execution of motor sequences, cognitive performance and focused attention. These results add insight to previous analysis performed on the same database and further proves the feasibility of monitoring a learning process with EEG.
POLITIK HUKUM PP NOMOR 78 TAHUN 2015 TENTANG PENGUPAHAN SEBAGAI UPAYA PEMENUHAN HAK DASAR PEKERJA/BURUH
Authors: Nadhiroh Anis Nur , Shobahah Nurush
Published: January 2025

This research will be more directed to respond to PP Number 78 of 2015 concerning Wages. In this PP on Wages, it has contradicted the ideals in the constitution, so that in the hierarchy of statutory regulations, the wage formula in this PP on Wages has contradicted the principle of Lex Specialis Derogate Legi Inferiori. The big idea that is being promoted is about efforts to create ideal and just laws in accordance with the values ​​and ideals of the state. These efforts are often referred to as Legal Politics. Then it is often misunderstood as legislative (legal) politics, because it is attached to legislative variables where the tracing process is often carried out normatively by examining the legal ideals of a nation and its achievement efforts which are stated in the work plan (legal politics) of the legislative institution in the form of Prolegnas. The method used in this study is normative juridical. The results of this study convey that in the process of determining the amount of wages, it has ignored the amount of fair and decent wages for workers both from positive law and Islamic law.
Adquisición de habilidades lingüísticas en inglés: entornos transversales y heurísticos en transición.
Authors: Cuenú Mesa Nicolth Tatiana
Published: January 2025

Este artículo presenta el proceso y resultados de una investigación que tiene como objetivo caracterizar la adquisición de habilidades lingüísticas en inglés basada en experiencias dadas en entornos transversales y heurísticos en el grado transición. Se sitúa en la investigación-acción práctico, ubicando cuatro en el diseño, a saber, observación, pensamiento y acción. La investigación se desarrolló en una Institución Educativa Pública de la ciudad de Santiago de Cali, donde se aplicó encuestas a integrantes de la comunidad educativa, entre ellos, profesores, estudiantes y familias. Los datos se analizaron teniendo en cuenta las categorías propuestas dentro de los objetivos especificos. Se evidenció que los estudiantes desde los primeros años de escolaridad desarrollaron las habilidades de escucha, habla, lectura y escritura en inglés, a través de ambientes de inmersión en el idioma que incluyan, la ejemplificación mediante la expresión corporal del profesor, interacciones con su entorno inmediato, motivación a los estudiantes desde la integración de contenidos y sus situaciones cotidianas, y la implementación de estrategias lúdicas con material específico para sus edades.
La enseñanza de la memoria histórica del conflicto armado colombiano en la escuela Aproximación a un estado de la cuestión
Authors: Villa Gómez Juan David , López Gaviria Cecilia Inés
Published: January 2025

Este texto tiene como finalidad presentar una revisión investigativa y teórica sobre la memoria histórica, particularmente del conflicto armado colombiano, en la enseñanza de las ciencias sociales en la escuela.  El proceso de investigación desarrolló una revisión en las bases de datos Scopus, Redalyc, EBSCO, Sage, Taylor & Francis, Scielo y Dialnet.  Se recolectaron 146 textos, de los cuales 93 conformaron el corpus del análisis, que se organizaron en las siguientes categorías: 1) relaciones entre la enseñanza de la memoria histórica y la ‘historia reciente’, en el marco de las ciencias sociales; 2) memoria de la historia reciente, desarrollada en los libros de texto; 3) políticas públicas de la memoria y políticas educativas sobre historia y memoria; 4) usos de la memoria colectiva, escuela e historia oficial; 5) sujetos de la memoria en la escuela: maestro y estudiante; 6) pedagogías de la memoria. Al final, la tensión entre memorias hegemónicas que portan los relatos de la historia oficial, y las memorias subalternas se resuelve por un lado con un vacío en la formación de los estudiantes o con la reproducción de discursos estereotipados, mientras los procesos de memoria desde la escuela siguen siendo marginales, aunque portan un sentido de resistencia y dignidad.
Mediaciones pedagógicas a través de la literatura y las artes para la prevención del acoso escolar. Estado del arte
Authors: Fernández-Guayana Tany Giselle , Pinzón Navarro María Isabel , Leal Camacho Diana Marcela , Delgado Ordóñez Paulo César
Published: January 2025

Este artículo parte del interés por conocer estudios recientes a nivel nacional e internacional sobre la literatura y las artes como medios pedagógicos para prevenir el acoso escolar. Para ello, se desarrolló un estado del arte mediante la consulta y análisis de 55 estudios publicados en repositorios institucionales y bases de indexación entre los años 2013-2023. El método utilizado fue la revisión bibliográfica con un análisis bajo el enfoque hermenéutico, lo que permitió interpretar los datos en torno a sus generalidades y especificaciones desde dos categorías de análisis: propósitos investigativos y tendencias en los resultados. Los hallazgos arrojan que, a nivel nacional e internacional, los géneros literarios y los tipos de arte se reconocen como recursos pedagógicos que promueven conductas de sana convivencia y previenen agresiones en el aula. En Europa y Asia, especialmente en países como España e Indonesia, existe un interés por el análisis de la literatura infantil y juvenil (LIJ) debido a su contenido moral, el cual puede disminuir las diferentes formas de violencia social. Por otro lado, en algunos países de América Latina, como Ecuador y Perú, se aplican métodos didácticos basados en la lectura y la escritura para disminuir el acoso escolar en preescolar y primaria. Mientras tanto, en Colombia se prefieren los diseños de investigación-acción para solventar, de manera temporal, las conductas del bullying en las aulas a través de la literatura y el arte. Sin embargo, se hace evidente que existen pocos recursos y mecanismos institucionales para hacer frente a este fenómeno de manera eficiente, lo que hace del acoso escolar una práctica recurrente.