bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Severe Obesity on Outcomes in Single-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): A Large-Scale Comparative Study
Authors: Maman David , Bar Ofek , Steinfeld Yaniv , Sleiman Ali , Shpigelman Arsen , Zvi Lior Ben , Berkovich Yaron
Published: January 2025

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common procedure for cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. Severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 or BMI ≥ 35 with comorbidities) is associated with increased perioperative risks. This study examines the impact of severe obesity on outcomes in patients undergoing single-level ACDF. Methods: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2016–2019) were analyzed, including 85,585 patients who underwent single-level ACDF. Patients were classified as severely obese (n = 4935) or non-obese (n = 80,650). Outcomes such as length of stay, complications, and in-hospital mortality were compared using SPSS and MATLAB, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Severely obese patients were younger (54 vs. 55.7 years, p < 0.001) and had more comorbidities like type 2 diabetes (38% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.001) and obstructive sleep apnea (31.1% vs. 9.5%, p < 0.001). They experienced longer hospital stays (1.92 vs. 1.65 days, p < 0.001) but similar in-hospital mortality (0.1%, p = 0.506). Severe obesity was linked to higher odds of complications, including increased risks of dehiscence (OR 8.2), respiratory failure (OR 6.5), myocardial infarction (OR 5.5), Horner syndrome (OR 4.7), pulmonary edema (OR 4.5), and dural tears (OR 4.1). Risks of acute kidney injury, pulmonary embolism, and dysphonia were also elevated in severely obese patients. Conclusion: Severe obesity is associated with higher complication rates and longer hospital stays following ACDF. Tailored perioperative management is essential to mitigate these risks and improve outcomes in this high-risk population.
The Relationships Between Environmental Dynamism, Absorptive Capacity, Organizational Ambidexterity, and Innovation Performance from the Dynamic Capabilities Perspective
Authors: Kim Kwangsoo , Seo Eun-Hwa , Kim Choo Yeon
Published: January 2025

Focusing on the fit between external environmental demands and internal capabilities (external fit), as well as the fit among internal capabilities (internal fit) from a dynamic capabilities perspective, this study explores the mechanisms through which environmental dynamism enhances firm innovation performance. By employing a unified moderated mediation model based on data from 254 small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms in Korea, this research reveals that explorative learning mediates the relationship between environmental dynamism and firm innovation performance. This study further reveals, however, that this mediating effect varies depending on the levels of absorptive capacity and exploitative learning. Specifically, the mediating effect of explorative learning on the relationship between environmental dynamism and innovation performance is stronger in firms with high levels of both absorptive capacity and exploitative learning. These results show that the positive impact of environmental dynamism on innovation performance is not consistently observed across all firms. For instance, when operating in dynamic environments, firms lacking absorptive capacity tend to face challenges in achieving explorative learning successfully, and those with high absorptive capacity but weak exploitative learning are also likely to struggle to achieve high innovation performance. These findings highlight the critical roles of dynamic capabilities in cultivating and harmonizing various internal organizational factors to respond to environmental changes more effectively and enhance innovation performance.
Digital Health Technologies in Patient Experience Literature: A Scoping Review and Future Outlook for Sustainable Digital Health Interventions
Authors: Aytekin Arif , Alan Hale , Demirel Hüsne , Onur Neslihan , Yalman Ayşen , Livberber Tuba , Yiğit-Açıkgöz Fatma
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is to address the issues identified in previous reviews and meta-analyses regarding the progress of patient experience literature and to highlight the most important concepts specifically related to digital health technologies. To do so, we have carried out a comprehensive analysis of the literature on patient experience in the category of health science services databases over the past decade and identified the tools related to digital health technologies within these studies. This is a bibliometric study based on data obtained from the Web of Science and Scopus between the years 2014 to and 2024 by using 11 search terms. In this review, a total of 21,392 publications from patient experience literature over the last decade were analyzed. Keywords were grouped by showing their co-occurrence using bibliometric and scientific mapping analyzing methods. The development of digitalization and digital tools has contributed to the advancement of theory in the field of digital health, eHealth, electronic health records, health information technology, the internet, mhealth, mobile applications, mobile health, patient portals, smartphones, social media, telemonitoring, web, artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, telehealth, telemedicine, telerehabilitation, and virtual care. These developments have provided sustainable digital health benefits in the development of patient experience theories. The findings of this study emphasize that digital health tools cover a wide area of research, and the application of information and communication technologies goes beyond the field of medicine and covers the broad field of healthcare.
An Examination of Pedestrian Crossing Behaviors at Signalized Intersections with Bus Priority Routes
Authors: Gitelman Victoria , Sharon Assaf
Published: January 2025

Public transport is an integral part of sustainable urban development when its use is promoted by setting bus priority routes (BPRs). BPRs provide clear mobility benefits, but they raise pedestrian safety concerns. In this study, observations were conducted at signalized intersections with two types of BPRs, center-lane and curbside, aiming to characterize pedestrian crossing behaviors, with a particular focus on red-light crossings. We found that at intersections with center-lane BPRs, 30% of pedestrians crossed at least one crosswalk on red, while at another type, 11% crossed on red. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk of crossing on red was substantially higher at intersections with center-lane vs. curbside BPRs; it was also higher among pedestrians crossing to/from the bus stop, males, and young people but lower under the presence of other waiting pedestrians. Furthermore, among pedestrians crossing on red at center-lane BPRs, over 10% did not check the traffic before crossing and another 10% checked the traffic in the wrong direction, thus further increasing the risk. At center-lane BPRs, infrastructure solutions are needed to reduce pedestrian intention to cross on red. Additionally, education and awareness programs for pedestrians should be promoted to emphasize the heightened risk of red-light crossing at intersections with BPRs.
Transforming Coffee and Meat By-Products into Protein-Rich Meal via Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Vargas-Serna Claudia L. , Pineda-Osorio Angie N. , Gallego-Ocampo Heidy Lorena , Plaza-Dorado José L. , Ochoa-Martínez Claudia I.
Published: January 2025

In response to increasing food waste and the necessity for sustainable resource utilization, this study evaluated the effectiveness of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in converting a mixture of coffee and meat residues into protein-rich meal suitable for animal feed. A two-component mixture design optimized the substrate composition, followed by model validation and a comprehensive nutritional characterization of the larvae-derived protein. The larval meal contained 30–39 g of protein per 100 g (dry basis). The results indicated that increasing the meat residue content to 35% in the substrate maximized the protein yield. The optimized larval meal contained 52.9 g of protein per 100 g (dry basis) and favorable parameters such as moisture and fat, demonstrating a nutrient profile suitable for aquaculture feed. These findings suggested that Hermetia illucens larvae could convert agro-industrial by-products into high-quality protein. Coffee and meat residues served as suitable substrates for larval growth, supporting proper metabolic development and yielding a high bioconversion rate. This work contributes to the constant efforts in food waste valorization by integrating nutrient recovery processes into circular economy principles.
Microbial Fuel Cells for Power Generation by Treating Mine Tailings: Recent Advances and Emerging Trends
Authors: Cui Wenwen , Espley Samantha , Liang Weiguo , Yin Shunde , Dong Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2025

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their dual potential in waste treatment and clean energy production. In the field of mine tailings treatment, MFCs exhibit a unique advantage by integrating pollutant degradation with electricity generation, gradually emerging as a significant research focus. Based on 1321 relevant publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2004 to 2024, this study employs bibliometric analysis to systematically explore the research status and future trends of MFCs in mine tailings treatment and power generation. The main research themes include (1) distinctive publication characteristics of MFC studies in the context of mine tailings treatment; (2) key information on leading countries, institutions, journals, and disciplines contributing to this field; and (3) a comprehensive summary of technological breakthroughs, emerging research hotspots, and future development directions of MFCs in mine tailings management. By thoroughly evaluating the existing body of research, this study provides valuable guidance for scholars new to the fields of MFCs and mine tailings treatment while offering insights into the technological advancements shaping the future of this domain.
Development of a Life Cycle Inventory Database for Environmental Impact Assessment of Construction Materials in Burkina Faso
Authors: Nouhoun Iliassou Salou , Nshimiyimana Philbert , Hema Césaire , Messan Adamah
Published: January 2025

The construction sector plays a key role in the growth of developing countries but faces major environmental challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an essential tool for evaluating these impacts and promoting sustainable choices. However, its effective application is limited by the lack of local databases. This study introduces a systematic framework (LOCAL-LCID2) for creating local Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) databases for developing countries. Its application is demonstrated in Burkina Faso’s (BF) context through a comparative LCA of commonly used materials, covering the cradle-to-gate stage. The methodology follows seven steps: (1) identification of materials, (2) data collection, (3) analysis of material and energy flows, (4) development of LCI database, (5) structuring the database using SimaPro 9.6.0, (6) calculation of environmental impacts via ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint, and (7) uncertainty analysis using the pedigree matrix and Monte Carlo simulation. The materials are categorized into two main groups (imported and locally produced) with five subcategories: materials for roofs, walls/structures, floors, openings, and others. The results show that for wall materials, concrete blocks have the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP), with 88.3% of CO2 emissions attributed to cement, implying an urgent need to optimize cement use and explore alternative binders for sustainable construction. Stabilized earth blocks show intermediate GWP at 65% of concrete block emissions, while straw-stabilized adobe demonstrates the lowest environmental impact, suggesting significant potential for reducing construction’s carbon footprint through traditional material optimization. The importation of steel sheets and ceramic tiles shows high GWP due to their energy-intensive production processes and long-distance transport (4 to 40% of emissions), highlighting opportunities to reduce impacts through local manufacturing and optimization of supply chains. The diversification of BF’s energy mix through clean energy imports from neighboring countries decreases GWP by 26.9%, indicating that regional energy partnerships and renewable energy investments are key pathways for minimizing environmental impacts related to energy consumption in the construction industry. Finally, the uncertainty analysis reveals the need for primary data updates in the current LCI database, highlighting both data quality enhancement opportunities and future research perspectives for industrial process assessment. The methodological framework equips decision-makers in developing countries with tools to implement sustainable construction practices through strategic material selection and regional resource optimization.
Chemistry and Health: A Multidimensional Approach
Authors: de Carvalho Alcione S. , de Jesus Iva S. , Ferreira Patrícia G. , de Souza Acácio S. , de Oliveira Rafael P. R. F. , Futuro Debora O. , Ferreira Vitor Francisco
Published: January 2025

This review explores both the positive and negative impacts of chemistry on society, focusing on the intersection between pharmaceutical, natural, and synthetic chemicals. On the one hand, drugs developed through medicinal chemistry have saved lives, improved people’s quality of life, and increased longevity. However, they also pose risks, including fatalities and environmental damage. Pharmaceutical chemistry has revolutionized medical practice by enabling the treatment and cure of fatal or debilitating diseases, significantly contributing to the rise in global life expectancy through the research and development of new bioactive substances. This article also highlights the harmful effects of toxic synthetic substances, which negatively impact human health and the environment, affecting plants, animals, air, water, soil, and food.
Effective Text Classification Through Supervised Rough Set-Based Term Weighting
Authors: Çekik Rasım
Published: January 2025

This research presents an innovative approach in text mining based on rough set theory. This study fundamentally utilizes the concept of symmetry from rough set theory to construct indiscernibility matrices and model uncertainties in data analysis, ensuring both methodological structure and solution processes remain symmetric. The effective management and analysis of large-scale textual data heavily relies on automated text classification technologies. In this context, term weighting plays a crucial role in determining classification performance. Particularly, supervised term weighting methods that utilize class information have emerged as the most effective approaches. However, the optimal representation of class–term relationships remains an area requiring further research. This study proposes the Rough Multivariate Weighting Scheme (RMWS) and presents its mathematical derivative, the Square Root Rough Multivariate Weighting Scheme (SRMWS). The RMWS model employs rough sets to identify information-carrying documents within the document–term–class space and adopts a computational methodology incorporating α, β, and γ coefficients. Moreover, the distribution of the term among classes is again effectively revealed. Comprehensive experimental studies were conducted on three different datasets featuring imbalanced-multiclass, balanced-multiclass, and imbalanced-binary class structures to evaluate the model’s effectiveness. The results show that RMWS and its derivative SRMWS methods outperform existing approaches by exhibiting superior performance on balanced and unbalanced datasets without being affected by class imbalance and number of classes. Furthermore, the SRMWS method is found to be the most effective for SVM and KNN classifiers, while the RMWS method achieves the best results for NB classifiers. These results show that the proposed methods significantly improve the text classification performance.
The One-Fault Dimension-Balanced Hamiltonian Problem in Toroidal Mesh Graphs
Authors: Juan Justie Su-Tzu , Ciou Hao-Cheng , Lin Meng-Jyun
Published: January 2025

Finding a Hamiltonian cycle in a graph G = (V, E) is a well-known problem. The challenge of finding a Hamiltonian cycle that avoids these faults when faulty vertices or edges are present has been extensively studied. When the edge set of G is partitioned into k dimensions, the problem of dimension-balanced Hamiltonian cycles arises, where the Hamiltonian cycle uses approximately the same number of edges from each dimension (differing by at most one). This paper studies whether a dimension-balanced Hamiltonian cycle (DBH) exists in toroidal mesh graphs Tm,n when a single vertex or edge is faulty, called the one-fault DBH problem. We establish that Tm,n is one-fault DBH, except in the following cases: (1) both m and n are even; (2) one of m and n is 3, while the other satisfies mod 4 = 3 and is greater than 6; (3) one of m and n is odd, while the other satisfies mod 4 = 2. Additionally, this paper resolves a conjecture from prior literature, thereby providing a complete solution to the DBP problem on Tm,n.
Research on the Individual Identification of Communication Radiation Sources in Complex Circumstances
Authors: Niu Yameng , Cui Liangzhong , Liu Yiping
Published: January 2025

Communication radiation source individual identification technology is an essential technique in electronic reconnaissance and a crucial link in electronic warfare support measures. Nevertheless, when the sample set encounters complex circumstances, such as class imbalance or a small sample, the classification network model, driven by big data, disrupts the symmetry between the recognition effect and the quantity of the datasets, leading to suboptimal recognition performance. Thus, it is requisite to optimize the existing models and algorithms to better propose more representative fingerprint features. This paper references the speech signal recognition model multivariate long short-term memory–fully convolutional network (MLSTM-FCN), and ameliorates the recognition algorithm and training strategy for the two scenarios of class imbalance and a small sample. It puts forward a communication radiation source individual identification method based on MLSTM-FCN incremental random feature concatenation and a communication radiation source individual identification method based on meta-learning. Proceeding from improving the class imbalance issue among features and small-sample learning, the experimental results under various signal-to-noise ratios demonstrate that the proposed methods have superior recognition effects and higher accuracy.
Species Differences in the Biotransformation of Aflatoxin B1: Primary Determinants of Relative Carcinogenic Potency in Different Animal Species
Authors: Eaton David L. , Williams David E. , Coulombe Roger A.
Published: January 2025

It has been known since the early days of the discovery of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) that there were large species differences in susceptibility to AFB1. It was also evident early on that AFB1 itself was not toxic but required bioactivation to a reactive form. Over the past 60 years there have been thousands of studies to delineate the role of ~10 specific biotransformation pathways of AFB1, both phase I (oxidation, reduction) and phase II (hydrolysis, conjugation, secondary oxidations, and reductions of phase I metabolites). This review provides a historical context and substantive analysis of each of these pathways as contributors to species differences in AFB1 hepatoxicity and carcinogenicity. Since the discovery of AFB1 as the toxic contaminant in groundnut meal that led to Turkey X diseases in 1960, there have been over 15,000 publications related to aflatoxins, of which nearly 8000 have addressed the significance of biotransformation (metabolism, in the older literature) of AFB1. While it is impossible to give justice to all of these studies, this review provides a historical perspective on the major discoveries related to species differences in the biotransformation of AFB1 and sets the stage for discussion of other papers in this Special Issue of the important role that AFB1 metabolites have played as biomarkers of exposure and effect in thousands of human studies on the toxic effects of aflatoxins. Dr. John Groopman has played a leading role in every step of the way—from initial laboratory studies on specific AFB1 metabolites to the application of molecular biomarkers in epidemiological studies associating dietary AFB1 exposure with liver cancer, and the design and conduct of chemoprevention clinical trials to reduce cancer risk from unavoidable aflatoxin exposures by alteration of specific AFB1 biotransformation pathways. This article is written in honor of Dr. Groopman’s many contributions in this area.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Fails to Enhance Antibody Response to Omicron Variant in Reinfected Healthcare Workers
Authors: Fernández-Ciriza Leire , González Álvaro , del Pozo José Luis , Fernandez-Montero Alejandro , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Martínez de Aguirre Paula , Sarasa María del Mar , Carlos Silvia , Reina Gabriel
Published: January 2025

The emergence of new variants and diverse vaccination regimens have raised uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to investigate the impact of Omicron primo-/reinfection and primary vaccination schedules on the immunogenicity of an mRNA-based booster dose over a six-month period. We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the durability and level of antibodies of 678 healthcare workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19. They were categorized based on their primary vaccination regimen. Blood samples were collected before the booster dose and 1 and 6 months after. Significant Anti-S-RBD differences were found between previously infected and naïve volunteers (p = 0.01). Considering the initial vaccine schedules, mRNA-based vaccines displayed significant higher antibody production and longer persistence among both infected and naïve participants. After the booster dose, participants primoinfected with the Omicron variant exhibited higher antibody concentrations than those who experienced reinfection, even after 6 months of follow-up (22,545 and 9460 U/mL, respectively). Moreover, these groups showed the most pronounced disparity in antibody titers ratios between infected and uninfected individuals. Overall, the booster dose failed to enhance humoral response in individuals reinfected with the Omicron variant after receiving it. Hybrid immunity and mRNA-based vaccine initial schedules showed higher levels and longer persistence of antibodies.
Rotavirus Vaccination Protects Against Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 in Children in Developed Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kosmeri Chrysoula , Klapas Achilleas , Evripidou Nikolas , Kantza Evanthia , Serbis Anastasios , Siomou Ekaterini , Ladomenou Fani
Published: January 2025

Background: The etiology of type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains an area of active research, with genetic and environmental factors being investigated. This meta-analysis aimed to determine if rotavirus vaccination influences the onset of T1D in children. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, two researchers independently searched multiple databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, for studies published in English from 2006 to September 2024. They used the search terms “rotavirus vaccination” and “type 1 diabetes”, and assessed study quality using the ROBINS-E tool. The analysis pooled hazard ratios (HRs) from selected studies using a fixed-effects model, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 and heterogeneity evaluated using the I2 statistic. Results: A systematic search identified 90 records, of which 5 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies, encompassing a total population of 4,427,291 children from developed countries, suggest a protective effect of rotavirus vaccination against T1D. The pooled HR was 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78–0.98), indicating a 13% lower risk of T1D in vaccinated children compared to unvaccinated ones (p = 0.03). Moderate heterogeneity was noted (χ2 = 10.02, df = 4, p = 0.04, I2 = 60%). Conclusions: This analysis suggests that rotavirus vaccination may reduce the risk of T1D in children from high-income Western countries. While these findings are promising, they may not be generalizable to settings outside similar advanced healthcare systems. Further research is needed to confirm the protective effects of rotavirus vaccination against T1D across diverse populations.
First Case of Respiratory Infection in Rabbits Caused by Alcaligenes faecalis in Romania
Authors: Iorgoni Vlad , Iancu Ionica , Popa Ionela , Gligor Alexandru , Orghici Gabriel , Sicoe Bogdan , Badea Corina , Dreghiciu Cristian , Pop Călin , Bochiș Timea , Degi Janos , Costinar Luminita , Pascu Corina , Herman Viorel
Published: January 2025

Alcaligenes faecalis is a Gram-negative, obligate aerobic bacillus commonly found in environmental settings, particularly in soil and water, as well as within the intestinal microbiota of humans and various animal species. This bacterium has the potential to act as an opportunistic pathogen, capable of causing severe infections in both humans and animals, which can sometimes result in fatal outcomes. Notably, A. faecalis is often characterized by a high degree of antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment efforts. In the current study, we present a case involving a 3-month-old male rabbit that developed a generalized infection, ultimately leading to the animal’s death. Despite the administration of broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics, the treatment was ineffective in salvaging the animal’s health. The isolated strain of A. faecalis demonstrated resistance to all tested antibiotics, underscoring the challenges associated with managing infections caused by this pathogen. This case highlights the significant impact of A. faecalis as an emerging threat in veterinary medicine, where its inherent antibiotic resistance further exacerbates the difficulty of effective treatment.
A New Graphical Method for Displaying Two-Dimensional Echocardiography Results in Dogs: Comprehensive Analysis of Results of Diagnostic Imaging Organized in a BOX (CARDIOBOX)
Authors: Curra-Gagliano Federico J. , Ceballos Martín , Redondo José I. , Engel-Manchado Javier
Published: January 2025

Introduction and objective: Rapid and efficient interpretation of echocardiographic findings is critical in clinical decision-making. This study aimed to design and validate a new graphical method, called CARDIOBOX, to represent echocardiographic findings in dogs. Methods: A prospective, observational, exploratory cohort study was conducted over three years. The design of CARDIOBOX was based on baseline values obtained from 802 healthy dogs and 2165 ill dogs. Using these data, a graph consisting of nine boxes was built to show the intervals of the different echocardiographic measurements. Validation of the method was performed by a survey of 55 veterinarians, who compared the use of CARDIOBOX with the use of numerical tables. Results: CARDIOBOX demonstrated significantly faster interpretability (p < 0.05) without reducing its effectiveness. In addition, the staff surveyed considered it easy to use and interpret. Conclusions: The introduction of CARDIOBOX emerges as a resource that facilitates rapid and efficient interpretation of echocardiographic findings in dogs. This new graphical method is presented as a valuable tool for veterinary professionals in clinical decision-making in the field of veterinary cardiology.
Performance of a Point-of-Care Test Kit (Anigen Rapid®) to Diagnose Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Infection in Domestic Cats Using Saliva Instead of Blood in Australia
Authors: Green Jennifer , Scannell Adele , Hall Evelyn , Westman Mark E.
Published: January 2025

The primary aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of saliva as a proxy for blood in cats using Anigen Rapid® FIV point-of-care (PoC) kits and as an easy collection technique applicable for all veterinary clinics and shelters. A secondary aim was to report FIV prevalence in various Australian states/territories and key cat risk factors associated with FIV infection. In total, 382 cats were recruited from patients presenting to private, shelter and teaching hospital veterinary clinics in Australia. Information collected for each cat included age, sex, neuter status, postcode, and health status (‘healthy’ versus ‘sick’). The traditional blood testing technique with Anigen Rapid® was used to determine the FIV status of cats. Comparative saliva testing found 48/382 (12.5%) cats were FIV-positive. Test sensitivity for Anigen Rapid® FIV using saliva was 84.2% (48/57; 95% CI 80.6 to 87.9). Test specificity for Anigen Rapid® FIV using saliva was 100% (325/325). The two significant cat risk factors for FIV infection were sex (male) and health status (sick). In terms of demographic information, prevalence in Tasmania and the Northen Territory was reported for the first time. This study proves the ability to utilise cheap and readily available consumables for less invasive FIV testing purposes by using saliva instead of blood, for example, when screening cat before adoption in shelters and in cats prior to annual FIV re-vaccination.
Detection of Insertion/Deletions (InDel) Within Five Clock Genes and Their Associations with Growth Traits in Four Chinese Sheep Breeds
Authors: Wang Ziteng , Yi Xiaohua , Yang Mengzhe , Sun Xiuzhu , Wang Shuhui
Published: January 2025

Organisms have the capacity to detect day–night fluctuations through oscillators regulated by circadian clock genes, which are crucial for regulating various biological processes. Numerous studies have demonstrated a marked association between these genes and various growth traits of sheep. This study identified polymorphisms at 23 potential loci within five clock genes in four Chinese sheep breeds. Only two polymorphic insertion/deletions (InDels) were detected in CLOCK and PER3 genes, respectively. The distribution of these two loci in four Chinese sheep breeds and their association with growth traits were further explored. A 12 bp deletion was found in the intron of the CLOCK gene (rs604230640), which was significantly associated with body height (p < 0.05), body oblique length (p < 0.05) and cannon girth (p < 0.05) in Hu sheep (HS). A 22 bp insertion in the intron of the PER3 gene (rs600537720) with a dominant genotype of insertion/insertion (II) was found to have a significant association with chest depth (p < 0.05) in Small-Tail Han sheep (STHS), tail width (p < 0.05) in Tong Sheep (TS), and in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep (LFTS). In conclusion, this study has elucidated the polymorphisms of CLOCK and PER3 genes and has examined the influence of these two genes on the growth traits of sheep. Concurrently, the two molecular markers identified in CLOCK and PER3 could potentially serve in the marker-assisted selection of growing-related traits in local Chinese sheep breeds.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride/CeO2 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Red
Authors: Al-Essa Khansaa , Al-Essa Ethar M. , Qarqaz Alaa , Al-Issa Suhad , Alshahateet Solhe F. , Al-Fawares O’la
Published: January 2025

Nanosized ceria (CeO2) and a graphitic carbon nitride-loaded ceria (CeO2/GCN) nanocomposite were synthesized using a straightforward and efficient method and characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, TGA, and BET analyses. These techniques confirmed that CeO2 was effectively supported on the surface of GCN, with particle sizes of the CeO2/GCN composite in the range of 10–15 nm and a pore size of 3.33 nm. The photocatalytic activity of the CeO2/GCN nanocomposite and CeO2 NPs in the degradation of methyl red dye under sunlight radiation was studied using UV–visible spectroscopy. A noticeable red shift in the CeO2/GCN nanocomposite compared to pure CeO2 NPs suggests a reduction in its band gap energy, calculated at 3.90 eV for CeO2 NPs and 2.97 eV for the CeO2/GCN nanocomposite. This band gap reduction enhances the photocatalytic degradation process, achieving a removal efficiency of 99.92% within a short irradiation time of 40 min for the CeO2/GCN nanocomposite, compared to 69.47% for CeO2 NPs. These findings indicate that graphitic carbon nitride significantly enhances the photocatalytic properties of CeO2 NPs.
Graduate Degree in Electric Vehicles—A Timely Programme for Modern Society
Authors: Chau K. T. , Chan C. C. , Niu Shuangxia , Liu Wei , Liu Tianyi
Published: January 2025

A new graduate degree programme, Master of Science in Electric Vehicles (MScEV), for engineering students is presented, which is timely and vital for modern society. The purpose of this programme is to provide graduate students with up-to-date knowledge and skills that can enhance their career prospects in the fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) community. The programme not only provides technological knowledge in system design, operation, and management of EVs, but also involves research training in specific EV topics. This paper first outlines the rationale of the programme and reveals the shortcomings of existing EV education. Then, the curriculum structure of the newly developed MScEV programme as well as the corresponding core and elective courses are discussed. Finally, the findings of this programme are evaluated, indicating that the programme is attractive to an overwhelming number of students from diverse engineering backgrounds, as evidenced by the applicants’ and admittees’ degree qualifications and work experiences.
Pacientes en proceso de recuperación por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y el apoyo familiar
Authors: Mariscal Tubay Nicole Antonella , Quinde Reyes María del Carmen
Published: January 2025

Desde la perspectiva psicológica, el apoyo familiar es un elemento clave tanto positivo como negativo en el proceso de recuperación por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas; como factor de riesgo para inducir al consumo cuando en la familia se ha naturalizado, así como para promover una recuperación de calidad. El objetivo de la investigación consistió en caracterizar el apoyo familiar de los pacientes en proceso de recuperación por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. El diseño fue no experimental, tuvo un alcance descriptivo de tipo transversal, utilizando un enfoque cuantitativo, los métodos empleados fueron el analítico sintético, revisión bibliográfica y la estadística descriptiva; para la puesta en marcha se utilizó la escala de apoyo familiar que fue aplicada a 30 pacientes de la comunidad terapéutica masculina “La Puerta de Al Ghani”. Los resultados demostraron que un 53% de los pacientes por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas cuentan con su familia, sin embargo, un 27% de ellos no siempre tiene este apoyo. De tal manera, el apoyo familiar es un factor decisivo en la recuperación de los pacientes por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas.
Factores psicosociales relacionados con la ansiedad en adolescentes
Authors: Veliz Molina Carlos Alberto , Valdivieso López Isabel Patricia
Published: January 2025

La ansiedad es una reacción normal del organismo ante situaciones que percibe como amenazantes o estresantes. Sin embargo, cuando la ansiedad se vuelve excesiva, frecuente o desproporcionada a la realidad, puede interferir con el funcionamiento normal de la persona y afectar su calidad de vida. En los adolescentes es alto el índice de quienes presentan ansiedad ya que están pasando por una etapa de cambios, de toma de decisiones lo cual para muchos adolescentes puede ser estresantes y frustrantes además de que existen factores que inciden en la misma. La investigación busco comprender los factores psicosociales asociados con la ansiedad en la población adolescente, es de diseño no experimental porque no se manipularon directamente las variables, con un enfoque cualitativo, de alcance descriptivo, de tipo bibliográfica, se aplicaron los métodos inductivo-deductivo, analítico-sintético y la revisión bibliográfica. La investigación indico que los factores psicosociales están estrechamente relacionados con la ansiedad en los adolescentes ya que estos pueden influir de manera significativa ya sea como apoyo en esta etapa de la vida, como motivador o de manera negativa incidiendo en la ansiedad.
Necesidades educativas especificas asociadas a la discapacidad: salud mental en padres
Authors: Burbano Pozo Consuelo Dalba , Farfán Casanova Olmedo Daniel
Published: January 2025

Esta investigación exploró la salud mental de los progenitores de niños con Necesidades Educativas Específicas (NEE) debidas a discapacidades, empleando el Cuestionario de Salud de Goldberg (GHQ-12). Se utilizó un método descriptivo y transversal, llevado a cabo en diciembre de 2023. Participaron 56 tutores legales de la Unidad Educativa Especial Fe y Alegría, elegidos mediante muestreo no probabilístico. El GHQ-12, adaptado a distintos entornos culturales, sirvió para medir la morbilidad psicológica. La evidencia numérica revela que ciertos grupos, como los padres y personas divorciadas, superan el umbral establecido para la mala salud mental en contextos latinoamericanos, poniendo de manifiesto una elevada carga emocional y física. Este patrón es particularmente notable en las madres, quienes registraron un promedio inferior comparado con los padres y otros familiares. Estas diferencias reflejan la complejidad de las experiencias de los cuidadores y subrayan la necesidad de enfoques diferenciados en el apoyo y las intervenciones psicológicas, considerando estas variables demográficas y socioeconómicas.
Factores psicosociales de la ansiedad social en adultos jóvenes
Authors: Aguilar Montesdeoca Ricardo , Vanegas Rodríguez Nuria
Published: January 2025

A lo largo del tiempo los seres humanos han presentado temor al rechazo social, motivo por el cual la ansiedad social puede presentarse continuamente, por lo expuesto en el presente trabajo se presentó el objetivo general de realizar una revisión de la literatura sobre los factores psicosociales relacionados con la ansiedad social en adultos jóvenes, Se recurrió a una metodología basada en el método Prisma, un enfoque documental y tipo de investigación descriptiva. Se aplicó la revisión bibliográfica en bases de datos científicas y se empleó ecuaciones con términos claves como "Factores Psicosociales", " Ansiedad social " y otras expresiones relacionadas con el tema objeto de análisis. Entre los resultados se pudo identificar inicialmente a 38 artículos científicos, en los que se aplicó criterios de análisis e inclusión y exclusión, quedando un total de 16 estudios para el correspondiente análisis. Se concluyó que en cada trabajo se abordó desde diferentes perspectivas las variables del tema, se pudo conocer a los factores psicosociales que más favorecen el inicio y persistencia de la ansiedad social, como son; entorno familiar, relaciones interpersonales, experiencias de vida y escenarios socioeconómicos. Se constató que no existen suficientes trabajos en el ámbito de estudio que traten cifras y estadísticas de impacto de la ansiedad social en distintos grupos poblacionales, en algunos estudios se propuso alternativas de intervención con psicoterapia, preferentemente con terapias cognitivos conductuales. Se logró constatar estrecha relación entre los factores psicosociales y la ansiedad social.
Estudio del estado de las habilidades sociales en adolescentes
Authors: Gomez Briones Maria Elizabeth , Rodríguez Alava Leonor Alexandra
Published: January 2025

La presente investigación fue dirigida a estudiantes de ambos sexos, con edades comprendidas de 12 y 15 años, pertenecientes a la Unidad Educativa María de la Merced. El objetivo principal fue establecer el estado de las habilidades sociales de los adolescentes de dicha institución Educativa. Esta investigación se realizó mediante un diseño no experimental, con un enfoque cuantitativo y de alcance descriptivo. Los métodos que se tomaron en consideración para realizar esta investigación incluyeron análisis-síntesis teórico, revisión bibliográfica, método análisis de contenido y el método estadístico, utilizando la estadística descriptiva para el análisis de los datos obtenidos. Para la recolección de datos se administró un test de habilidades sociales de manera online a una población de 210 estudiantes. Los resultados evidenciaron fortalezas en muchas habilidades sociales, especialmente en el desarrollo de decisiones para la iniciación de conversaciones y la gestión de la participación social. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de abordar las necesidades sociales y emocionales de los adolescentes a través de programas educativos que fomenten un desarrollo integral y que promuevan habilidades clave para su bienestar futuro.
Core functions of primary care in Amathole district, South Africa: a descriptive study
Authors: Mash Robert , Nash Jenny
Published: January 2025

Background

Strengthening primary care is a priority globally and for the South African health system. The current measurement tools in South Africa do not measure the core functions of primary care: access, comprehensiveness, coordination, continuity and person-centredness. A new regional version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) has just been validated and can measure these core functions.

Aim

To field test the regional PCAT and measure the core functions of primary care performance.

Design & setting

A descriptive cross-sectional survey in Amathole District, South Africa.

Method

Data were collected from 386 randomly selected patients from 40 clinics and six subdistricts. Data was collected using the REDCap mobile App and analysed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.

Results

The median primary care score was 3.3 (IQR 3.2-3.5) where a score>3 was seen as acceptable performance and>3.5 as good. Person-centredness, coordination and utilisation were all scored as good (4.0 (IQR 4.0-4.0). Comprehensiveness (3.3 (IQR 2.9-3.6) and continuity (3.2 (IQR 3.1-3.6) were scored as acceptable. Access to care was scored as poor (1.7 (IQR 1.0-2.9). There were significant differences in primary care scores between subdistricts. Those with a worse health status or chronic condition gave lower scores. The most affluent and the poorest groups also gave lower scores.

Conclusion

The district needs to focus on improving access to care as well as some aspects of comprehensiveness, continuity, and coordination. The newly validated regional PCAT provided the district with novel information for performance management and improvement.
Analysis of the potential of memelong leaves (Philodendron giganteum) as an antioxidant and antimicrobial
Authors: Silitonga Martha , Sitompul Mutiara Rolika Putri , Gulo Agnes , Anggeria Elis
Published: January 2025

Ornamental plants are plants whose main function is to decorate. Many ornamental plants have benefits, one of which is the Philodendron plant. It is important to know the benefits of antioxidants and antimicrobials that ornamental plants have and can be used to improve health. The research aimed to determine the potential of Memelong (Philodendron giganteum) as an antioxidant and antimicrobial. The research carried out was empirical research at the FKKGIK UNPRI Laboratory for 1 month. The samples used were all Memelong leaves. Memelong leaf extract is made by maceration. Next, carry out phytochemical tests including alkaloid testing, flavonoid content testing, saponin testing, testing for the presence of tannins, and testing for triterpenoids and steroids. The antioxidant activity test was carried out using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. The antimicrobial activity test was carried out using the paper disc diffusion method. Data analysis using univariate presented in the form of tables and graphs descriptively. The results of this study have potential as antioxidants based on antioxidant tests using the DPPH method with sample concentrations of 400 ppm 14%, 600 ppm 16%, 800 ppm 19%, and 1000 ppm 27%, but the results are still smaller when compared to the vitamin C test results. However, in the antibacterial activity test on Memelong leaf extract, there was no inhibition zone in the 25% formulation, an average of 0.50%, an average of 0.75%, an average of 0, the K(+) was found to be an average of 18,85 diameter of inhibition zone. The research conclusion is that the leaves of Memelong are proven to contain antioxidants.
CT evaluation of pediatric airway foreign bodies: Emphasis on the role of CT scanning in foreign body removal with bronchoscopy
Authors: Siregar Indra Riris Delima , Soekardi Adi , Icksan Aziza Ghanie
Published: January 2025

A foreign body that enters the airway through aspiration may become lodged in the trachea, bronchi, or larynx. The size, shape, and type of the foreign body determine where it should be lodged. Children are more frequently impacted. Unexpected inspiration during play or fighting while holding something in their mouths can result in accidents. The first study of choice for any child being evaluated for foreign body aspiration is still a plain film chest X-ray. Computerized tomographic examinations have a slightly higher sensitivity. We report a case of aspiration foreign body in a 12-year-old boy with the main complaint of choking. On physical examination, there were decreased breath sounds and wheezing in the upper left lung area. Chest x-ray revealed a radioopaque needle pin-like foreign body and no abnormalities in both lung. The results of a chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a needle was abaout 4cm long and located in left bronchus. Once the diagnosis is made, removal of the foreign body with bronchoscopy is performed in these cases. Chest CT scans may need less time for evaluation and provide finer image resolution, making it easier to identify the position, size, and form of AFBs. As a result, chest CT scans offer great potential usefulness in the investigation of suspected AFBs.
Evaluation Method for Tourism Development Focused on Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Simorangkir Cavin Ornando , Sabrina Rahmadhanty Maghfira
Published: January 2025

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tourism development in poverty alleviation, focusing on systems and policies implemented in Indonesia. Using a qualitative approach, document analysis was employed to review various policies, case studies, and strategies implemented in several countries/regions. The data used include scholarly articles, regulations, written policies, and notes from stakeholders relevant to tourism development and poverty alleviation. The document analysis results indicate that pro-poor tourism development policies require a holistic and contextual evaluation, considering local conditions, social capital, and impact mapping. This study also explains relevant and contextual evaluation methods for pro-poor tourism related to regional development policies, including evaluation of policy formulation, implementation, and development outcomes. Thus, this research is expected to make a significant contribution to expanding the understanding of tourism development evaluation focused on poverty alleviation and to provide more effective and targeted policy recommendations.