bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The War on the Edge of the World: Hunnic Origins and the Palus Maeotis
Authors: Barnes Cameron
Published: January 2025

This article looks at the Hunnic origin tale found in some Constantinople-based historians in late antiquity. In their accounts, the Huns are described as trapped for generations in the Palus Maeotis (the modern Sea of Azov), escaping only through the intervention of an animal guide. Rather than a piece of Hunnic lore, the tale reflects the literary traditions of the Mediterranean world. Moreover, it makes no sense in historical terms. The challenge is understand why so many late antique historians found such an implausible narrative worthy of repetition.
DECRIMINALISING DRUG POLICY THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DIMENSION: PROGRESS OR REGRESSION?
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba, Moscow, Russian Federation, ABASHIDZE ASLAN H. , BAGDATIEVA ANASTASIA A. ,   Permanent Mission to the UN of Russia in Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
Published: January 2025

The authors examine the process of decriminalization of drug policy through the international human rights dimension. The aim of the study is to analyse the impact of international human rights initiatives on the established international legal regime against drug trafficking, as enshrined in the three main UN conventions. The authors note the high degree of state participation in these conventions and emphasise that the main objective of the three conventions is fully consistent with the international human rights dimension, as it also aims to strengthen the ‘foundations of society’. The article highlights the ‘demands’ of the proponents of decriminalization, who advocate the legalization of a number of narcotic substances under the pretext of protecting human rights, because they believe that today there has been a failure of the international regime against drug trafficking. According to the authors, there are many factors contributing to the growing number of drug addicts, including a divergence in the approaches of States on key aspects of effectively combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. As a result of the study, the authors conclude that strict control should be maintained, as the existing international legal regime not only does not contradict human rights standards, but also aims at their implementation, ensuring the protection of the health and well-being of society.
METHODOLOGY OF CONDUCTING SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEYS IN THE FIELD OF TRADEMARK RIGHTS PROTECTION: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE EU AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, SVIRIDOVA E.A.
Published: January 2025

The article analyzes the methods of conducting sociological surveys of consumers used as evidence in disputes over the protection of trademark rights. The subject of the study is a comparative analysis of the approaches of courts to determining the evidentiary value of a sociological survey in the European Union, France and Russia. The conclusion is made about the generally similar methodology used in conducting surveys in the jurisdictions under consideration. When assessing the reliability of mutually exclusive survey results, it is proposed to give priority to the survey that was carried out using appropriate methods and forms of its conduct, taking into account the category of goods and services and a representative sample of respondents.
THE CULTURE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT NATIONS IN RUSSIAN SOCIETY AND WAYS TO IMPROVE IT
Authors:   Zhirinovsky University of World Civilizations, Moscow, Russian Federation, SHEVTSOV V.M. , KRAVCHENKO V.V. , NOVOSELSKY S.O.
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the consideration of the culture of communication between representatives of different nations and the main directions for its improvement. In the current situation of geopolitical tension, when the opposing sides actively use hybrid pressure tools, it is important to ensure a balance of interests of all nationalities living in the socio-economic space of Russia. Since ancient times, Russian society has been multinational in nature, based on feelings of respect for the interests of other nationalities. Thus, at the civilizational level, the Russian people strive not to colonize representatives of other nations, but to find common ground with them for support and joint solution of a huge number of problems. Today, unfriendly countries are trying to disunite Russian society along national lines in order to inflict a strategic defeat on our country. An important element of the defensive response to various forms of hybrid aggression is the construction of a high-quality culture of communications between different nations. A positive factor for the successful solution of this problem is the existence of a common basis in the form of the Russian language, which generates an accessible bridge of communications. The replication of effective practices of intercultural communications significantly reduces the risks of ethnopolitical conflicts and leads to the stabilization of the social situation. Political elites, within the framework of their activities and public agenda, should actively engage in this process and in every possible way contribute to the expansion of the potential of intercultural communications. In the context of digital transformation, it is advisable to create new cultural spaces for interethnic dialogue in order to achieve political consensus in solving problematic issues of social, religious and economic nature.
COLLECTIVE PORTRAIT AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE HISTORICAL ERA: SCHOOL AUTHORS TEXTBOOKS OF THE HISTORY OF THE USSR (SECOND HALF OF THE 1960S - FIRST HALF OF THE 1980S)
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, OGONOVSKAYA I.S.
Published: January 2025

The author of the article continues the study devoted to historical education in the USSR, presented through the prism of school textbooks on the history of the USSR and the fates of their authors. The changes in the field of education that influenced the structure and content of textbooks are considered: the transition from a concentric system of education to a linear one, from trial textbooks to stable ones. The negative factors that turn school textbooks into a propaganda tribune of ideological memorable dates and decisions of the CPSU congresses are shown.
RESEARCHER OF THE «SOLAR WIND» OR A LITTLE ABOUT OLEG LEONIDOVICH WEISBERG: ON HIS 90TH ANNIVERSARY
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, ZAPARIY V.V.
Published: January 2025

The publication is dedicated to the scientific life and work of the famous astrophysicist O.L. Weisberg, who is called a researcher of the «solar wind» and one of the main creators of devices for space explorers. The article is based on the use of materials from an interview that Weisberg gave to Professor V.V. Zapariy, and is largely a citation of his story about his teachers and people who had a great influence on him as a scientist, and he also talks about his first steps in space exploration.
POSITION CRIME DURING THE GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR
Authors:   Chelyabinsk State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, PASS A.A.
Published: January 2025

The article examines the phenomenon of economic crime among executives of government bodies, institutions and enterprises of various departmental affiliations in the context of social upheavals caused by the consequences of total war. The most common types of torts are characterized. The circumstances and motives that prompted the commission of acts dictated by selfish considerations and entailing administrative or criminal penalties are analyzed. The measures of influence from the Party Control Commission and justice bodies against subjects who violated the established rules and regulations are presented. The behavioral strategies that were used by the latter in order to resolve the legal conflicts that arose are described. The reasons that contributed to the mitigation or cancellation of punishment for the offenders are clarified. It is established that membership in the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks), official status, professional qualifications and past merits were factors that facilitated both the organization of economic crimes and the evasion of responsibility in the event of possible exposure. From the perspective of criminal economic anthropology, criteria are proposed for determining the types of embezzlers of state property.
Pietro Aretino, «Coloquio de las damas», trad. Fernán Xuárez, ed. Adrián J. Sáez, Madrid, Reino de Cordelia, 2021, 182 pp.
Authors: González Ramírez David
Published: January 2025

Reseña de Pietro Aretino, Coloquio de las damas, trad. de Fernán Xuárez, ed. de Adrián J. Sáez, Madrid, Reino de Cordelia, 2021, 182 pp.
The Relationship Between Blood Glucose Levels and Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in the Working Area of Teluk Tiram Public Health Center, Banjarmasin City, 2024
Authors: Unja Ermeisi  Er , Britama Britama , Trihandini Bernadetha
Published: January 2025

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels because the body is unable to utilize insulin effectively. The incidence of type 2 diabetes increases with age and unhealthy lifestyle. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels in patients can lead to various complications, including microangiopathy, which is a problem in large blood vessels (hypertension). Studies state that type 2 diabetic patients with hypertension have a 7 times greater risk of developing terminal renal failure (ESRD) and 2-4 times of cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or death, compared to normotensive type 2 diabetic patients of the same age.
Objective: This study aims to identify the association of blood sugar levels with hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Method: This study uses quantitative cross-sectional method using observation sheet. The sample in the study was 85 respondents selected by purposive sampling technique. Normality test using Kolmogorow-Smirnov test and for bivariate statistical test using Spearman Rank test.
Result: The results showed 53 respondents (62.4%) experienced hyperglycemia, with complications of grade 1 hypertension as many as 33 respondents (38.8%). This result shows that the higher the blood sugar level, the more at risk of hypertension.
Conclusion: The conclusion of the study showed a significant relationship between blood sugar levels and hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes with a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05).
Research through service: Meeting Chinese international college students’ mental health needs
Authors: Duan Changming , Chen Jingru , Li Fenglan , Zhou Mi , Lin Xiubin , Li Shengnan
Published: January 2025

Introduction and background

Research indicates that Chinese International College Students (CICS) encounter considerable cultural and mental health challenges while studying in the United States. However, there has been limited focus on the processes and outcomes of effective mental health intervention programs tailored to their needs. This study adopted a research-through-service approach to design, implement, and evaluate a four-week group intervention program aimed at enhancing the mental health and well-being of CICS.

Methods and intervention program

The group intervention was designed with the perspective that effective mental health services for CICS should be culturally specific, growth-oriented, and focused on promoting positive learning outcomes rather than merely addressing problems or solutions. Group sessions were conducted in Chinese and emphasized experiential activities aimed at enhancing participants’ cultural confidence and fostering a growth-oriented, positive mindset. Thirteen CICS voluntarily participated in the group intervention. One to three weeks after the program, twelve participants took part in semi-structured post-group interviews. These interviews explored their reflections on the group experience, their general perspectives on well-being, perceived challenges and strategies for managing those challenges, and their attitudes toward seeking professional help when needed. The interview data were analyzed using the Consensus Qualitative Research (CQR) method (Hill, 2012).

Results

Participants shared experiences of cultural conflicts and challenges they faced, as well as the active coping strategies they employed. These strategies included confiding in trusted individuals, practicing forbearance and self-regulation, and seeking practical solutions to underlying problems. When reflecting on the group intervention experience, participants reported notable benefits across intellectual, relational, and emotional domains. Additionally, they provided valuable suggestions for enhancing the program’s effectiveness.

Conclusion

Intervention programs designed to support Chinese International College Students (CICS) should promote cultural confidence, adopt a strength-based and growth-oriented approach, and avoid deficit-focused or problem-centered frameworks.
Association between triglyceride-glucose index and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with acute myocardial infarction: analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Su Xin , Zhou Yujing , Chang Jie , Zhao Xin , Li Haiyu , Sang Haiqiang
Published: January 2025

Background

Currently, the clinical evidence regarding the prognostic significance of the TyG index in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients remains unclear. Our research analyzed the correlation between the TyG index and the risk of mortality in patients with AMI, in order to evaluate the influence of the TyG index on the prognosis of this population.

Methods

1205 ICU patients with AMI were analyzed in this retrospective cohort analysis, and the necessary data were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The study conducted Kaplan-Meier analysis to compare all-cause mortality rates across four groups of patients. The study included logistic regression and Cox regression analysis to examine the correlation among the TyG index and the risk of in-hospital, 28-day, and 90-day mortality.

Results

In our study, 176 (14.61%) patients experienced in-hospital deaths, 198 (16.43%) patients died within 28 days of follow-up, and 189 (23.98%) patients died within 90 days of follow-up. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard analyses revealed that the TyG index was an independent predictor of in-hospital, 28-day, and 90-day mortality (OR: 1.406, 95% CI 1.141-1.731, p = 0.001; HR: 1.364, 95% CI 1.118-1.665, p = 0.002; HR: 1.221, 95% CI 1.024-1.445, p = 0.026, respectively). The restricted cubic spline regression model showed that the risk of in-hospital, 28-day, and 90-day mortality increased linearly with increasing TyG index.

Conclusions

The TyG index was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality in AMI patients. Our findings suggested that the TyG index may be instrumental in identifying patients at high risk for adverse outcomes following AMI.
Knockdown of PDPN in astrocytes reduces hippocampal inflammation in T2DM mice
Authors: Wang Xiaohang , Wang Qianqian , Cai Zhensheng , Ni Chengming , Wang Huan , Liu Hui , Zhao Yusong , Wang Jinbang , Liu Subo , Wang Xueying
Published: January 2025

Aims

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at-risk for developing vascular dementia (VaD). Hyperglycemia leads to the activation of astrocytes. These activated cells produce proinflammatory mediators like cytokines or chemokines, that cause cerebrovascular damage. Previous sequencing showed Pdpn’s high expression in activated stellate cells and possible inflammation involvement. Our study aims to reveal its role in T2DM-induced hippocampal inflammation in VaD.

Methods

Firstly, we will validate the expression of the Pdpn gene in T2DM astrocytes via qPCR and Western blot. Subsequently GFAP-specific promoter adeno-associated virus(AAV)carrying interfering sequence was used to knockdown the key gene in astrocytes of T2DM mice. Then the step-down test was conducted to assess the cognition level. The fluorescence intensities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β were measured via immunofluorescence assay to assess the level of inflammation in the brain after the key gene knockdown.

Results

After the validation of transcriptome sequencing, the Pdpn gene was identified as a key gene upregulated in astrocytes from T2DM. Comparing to T2DM mice, knocking down Pdpn in astrocytes extended the latency and decreased the number of errors in T2DM mice, showing improved memory impairment. After the cognition assessment, the mice were euthanized, and the inflammatory factors associated to the VaD were detected by immunofluorescence. We showed that the fluorescence intensities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 in hippocampus were decreased after the Pdpn knocking down in astrocytes of T2DM mice.

Conclusion

In summary, this study demonstrates that Pdpn exerts a novel player in T2DM-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive decline. Knocking down Pdpn in astrocytes shows a protective effect in hippocampal inflammation and VaD.
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy misdiagnosed as intracranial infectious diseases: case reports and literature review
Authors: Bai Runhua , An Li , Du Wei , Wang Zhiwei , Qi Xiaokun , Liu Jianguo , Ren Ming , Yu Yingxin
Published: January 2025

Background

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (A-GFAP-A) is an autoimmune central nervous system(CNS) disease characterized by GFAP IgG as a biomarker. Several cases of individuals with A-GFAP-A initially misdiagnosed as infectious diseases of the central nervous system have been reported in research. We report three cases of A-GFAP-A misdiagnosed as viral meningitis or tuberculous meningitis (TBM). We summarize recent cases of A-GFAP-A misdiagnosed as central nervous system infections through a literature review.

Materials and methods

Three cases of A-GFAP-A were initially misdiagnosed as tuberculous or viral meningitis. Their diagnoses of A-GFAP-A were confirmed with positive GFAP-IgG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We searched the PubMed database with the key words of “GFAP astrocytopathy”, “GFAP autoimmunity”, “GFAP autoantibody”, “intracranial infection”, “meningitis”, “misdiagnose”, and within the literature from Jan 1, 2015 to Mar 15, 2024, 40 cases with A-GFAP-A with positive GFAP-IgG in CSF who were previously misdiagnosed with intracranial infection were reported. The causes of misdiagnoses were summarized and analyzed.

Results

Case 1 was a 41-year-old female, presenting with headache, fever, diplopia, and altered consciousness level. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was ineffective. Finally, with positive GFAP IgG in CSF, she was diagnosed with A-GFAP-A. Case 2 was a 74-year-old male, presenting with fever, excessive sweating, fatigue, and memory loss. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was ineffective. With positive GFAP IgG in CSF, he was diagnosed with A-GFAP-A. Case 3 was a 54-year-old male, presenting with fever, personality changes, and memory decline. Antiviral treatment was ineffective. His diagnosis was revised to A-GFAP-A after testing positive for GFAP IgG in CSF. Our study summarized a total of 40 patients with A-GFAP-A who were initially misdiagnosed as intracranial infections. The most common clinical phenotypes among 40 patients were mimicked meningitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis, encephalitis and encephalomyelitis.

Conclusion

A-GFAP-A is a specific autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis associated with GFAP-IgG, with lesions involved the brain, meninges, and spinal cord. It commonly presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, altered consciousness, tremor, seizures, and autonomic dysfunction. Brain MRI often shows characteristic linear perivascular radial enhancement perpendicular to the ventricles or nonspecific leptomeningeal enhancement. Early detection of GFAP-IgG in serum and CSF is essential for differential diagnosis.
Repellents against Aedes aegypti bites: synthetic and natural origins
Authors: Noguera-Gahona Melissa , Peña-Moreno Cindy , Quiñones-Sobarzo Natalia , Weinstein-Oppenheimer Caroline , Guerra-Zúñiga María , Collao-Ferrada Ximena
Published: January 2025

Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, particularly Aedes aegypti, has emerged as a global health issue. With the expansion of this mosquito to new geographical areas, driven by factors such as climate change, the need for preventive measures like using insect repellents has become critical. The present review explores the current state of the art on topical mosquito repellents, both synthetic and natural, used globally, especially in regions where dengue is endemic. Among synthetic repellents, DEET is the most widely used, supported by investigations demonstrating its efficacy and safety, although concerns about its toxicity exist in exceptional cases. Other compounds, such as picaridin, IR3535, and PMD are also common and offer alternatives with variable safety and efficacy profiles. Natural repellents, such as essential oils of citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and clove, have proven effective against Aedes aegypti. However, they present challenges due to rapid volatilization and the limited duration of their protective effect. To address these issues, combinations of essential oils and synthetic compounds have been proposed to improve efficacy and safety. Finally, the review highlights the complexity and the challenges of developing new repellents, including the high costs and lengthy timelines for commercialization, as well as the importance of continued research to improve the efficacy and safety of these products.
Electrophysiological properties of vestibular hair cells isolated from human crista
Authors: Mohamed Nesrien , Al-Amin Mohammad , Meredith Frances L. , Kalmanson Olivia , Dondzillo Anna , Cass Stephen , Gubbels Samuel , Rennie Katherine J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The vast majority of cellular studies on mammalian vestibular hair cells have been carried out in rodent models due in part to the inaccessibility of human inner ear organs and reports describing electrophysiological recordings from human inner ear sensory hair cells are scarce. Here, we obtained freshly harvested vestibular neuroepithelia from adult translabyrinthine surgical patients to obtain electrophysiological recordings from human hair cells.

Methods

Whole cell patch clamp recordings were performed on hair cells mechanically isolated from human cristae to characterize voltage-dependent and pharmacological properties of membrane currents. Hair cells were classified as type I or type II according to morphological characteristics and/or their electrophysiological properties.

Results

Type I hair cells exhibited low voltage-activated K+ currents (IKLV) at membrane potentials around the mean resting membrane potential (-63 mV) and large slowly activating outward K+ currents in response to depolarizing voltage steps. Recordings from type II hair cells revealed delayed rectifier type outward K+ currents that activated above the average resting potential of -55 mV and often showed some inactivation at more depolarized potentials. Perfusion with the K+ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (1 mM) substantially reduced outward current in both hair cell types. Additionally, extracellular application of 8-bromo-cGMP inhibited IKLV in human crista type I hair cells suggesting modulation via a nitric oxide/cGMP mechanism. A slow hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) was observed in some hair cells in response to membrane hyperpolarization below -100 mV.

Discussion

In summary, whole cell recordings from isolated human hair cells revealed ionic currents that strongly resemble mature current phenotypes previously described in hair cells from rodent vestibular epithelia. Rapid access to surgically obtained adult human vestibular neuroepithelia allows translational studies crucial for improved understanding of human peripheral vestibular function.
Treatment outcomes and its associated factors among neonates admitted with sepsis in Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Ethiopia
Authors: Gezahegn Betelhem , Abdella Ahmed , Meseret Fentahun , Mohammed Ahmed , Keneni Mulualem , Asfaw Tesfaye , Tizazu Diribsa , Desalew Assefa
Published: January 2025

Background

Sepsis in the neonatal period is a major health challenge in neonatal medicine because of its potential for rapid progression to multi-organ dysfunction, leading to higher morbidity and mortality. Although efforts have been made to advance the outcomes of neonates admitted to hospitals, there is a paucity of data regarding neonatal sepsis treatment outcomes in the study setting. Hence, the study aimed to assess outcomes and prognostic factors of sepsis among neonatal patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital in Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 neonates with sepsis admitted from 1 January 2021 to 30 December 2023. Neonates were selected using systematic random sampling. Relevant data were extracted from medical records using a checklist. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 17. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable.

Results

Eighty-four of 311 patients (27.8%) (95% CI: 22.7%–32.9%) died, while 218 (72.2%) were discharged after improvement. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, low white blood cell (WBC) count [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.5–12.5], desaturation (aOR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.6–5.5), pre-term birth (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.1–4.0), lack of maternal antenatal care (ANC) follow-up (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.7), and chorioamnionitis (aOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2–6.5) were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis mortality.

Conclusion

Approximately one-quarter of patients with neonatal sepsis died. The significant prognostic factors for sepsis were found to be low WBC count, desaturation, lack of ANC visits, and chorioamnionitis. Implementing targeted therapeutic interventions and addressing these prognostic factors could improve treatment outcomes.
Innovative approaches to English pronunciation instruction in ESL contexts: integration of multi-sensor detection and advanced algorithmic feedback
Authors: Ping Li , Tao Ning
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Teaching English pronunciation in an English as a Second Language (ESL) context involves tailored strategies to help learners accurately produce sounds, intonation, and rhythm.

Methods

This study presents an innovative method utilizing advanced technology and algorithms to enhance pronunciation accuracy, fluency, and completeness. The approach employs multi-sensor detection methods for precise data collection, preprocessing techniques such as pre-emphasis, normalization, framing, windowing, and endpoint detection to ensure high-quality speech signals. Feature extraction focuses on key attributes of pronunciation, which are then fused through a feedback neural network for comprehensive evaluation. The experiment involved 100 college students, including 50 male and 50 female students, to test their English pronunciation.

Results

Empirical results demonstrate significant improvements over existing methods. The proposed method achieved a teaching evaluation accuracy of 99.3%, compared to 68.9% and 77.8% for other referenced methods. Additionally, students showed higher levels of fluency, with most achieving a level of 4 or above, whereas traditional methods resulted in lower fluency levels. Spectral feature analysis indicated that the amplitude of speech signals obtained using the proposed method closely matched the original signals, unlike the discrepancies found in previous methods.

Discussion

These findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed method, showcasing its ability to improve pronunciation accuracy and fluency. The integration of multi-sensor detection and neural network evaluation provides precise results, outperforming traditional approaches.
Attention speed and anterior cingulate cortex volume in female and male veterans with suicide ideation and attempts
Authors: McGlade Erin C. , Yancey James R. , Roberts Keenan E. , Elias Audrey , Carson Chelsea , Ma Jiyoung , Legarreta Margaret R. , Yurgelun-Todd Deborah A.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

An average of 17.5 Veterans died by suicide each day in 2021, highlighting the importance of research and prevention efforts aimed at suicide risk. Attentional processes have emerged as a possible predictor of suicide behaviors (SB), yet associated neural correlates remain understudied, particularly in the Veteran population.

Methods

The current study examines sustained and selective attention performance as indexed by the Ruff 2 & 7 Selective Attention Test and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) volume as they relate to SB in Veterans. A subset of Veterans also completed a structural magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Participants were grouped on history of suicidal ideation (SI), suicide attempt (SA), and no SB (HC).

Results

Analyses from the Ruff 2 & 7 test showed that Veterans with a history of SA performed more slowly on Automatic Detection Speed (ADS) and Controlled Search Speed (CSS) compared to Veterans with SI and no SB. SI and SA group differences on ADS and CSS remained after Bonferroni correction, and CSS differences remained after controlling for depressive and anxious symptoms. There were no between-group differences on Ruff 2 & 7 Accuracy measures. When analyses were divided by sex, males with a history of SA performed more slowly than SI and HC on ADS and more slowly on CSS and Total Speed than males with a history of SI. Results remained significant after controlling for depressive and anxious symptoms. When Bonferroni corrections were applied, males with a history of SA performed more slowly on ADS, CSS, and Total Speed compared to males with a history of SI. Female Veterans with a history of SA performed more slowly than female HC on CSS only; however, these findings were no longer significant after controlling for depressive and anxious symptoms. No significant differences were found between female groups on ADS or Total Speed. Measures of left rostral ACC gray matter (GM) volume for the combined female and male Veteran sample were positively correlated with ADS and CSS scores in HC but not SA. Conversely, right rostral ACC GM volume negatively correlated with ADS and CSS scores in the SA group but not HC. Right rostral ACC white matter volume correlated positively with ADS and CSS in HC.

Discussion

These findings highlight associations between attention speed, ACC volume, and SB even after controlling for acute mood symptoms, in addition to emphasizing the importance of including sex in analyses.
A data driven approach for soft tissue biomarker identification linked to Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia
Authors: Cumber Jake , Scales-Theobald Emma , Rusbridge Clare , Wells Kevin
Published: January 2025

Canine Chiari-like malformation (CM) is a neuroanatomical condition associated with conformational change of the cranium, craniocervical junction and neuroparenchyma, resulting in pain (Chiari associated pain or CM-P) and the development of syringomyelia (SM). The associated neuro-disability in affected individuals compromises quality of life. CM is characterized by overcrowding of the brain and cervical spinal cord and is predisposed by skull-base shortening and miniaturization with brachycephalic toy dogs overwhelmingly represented. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is conventionally used for diagnosis; however, CM is complex and ubiquitous in some dog breeds so that diagnosis of CM-P relies on a combination of clinical signs, MRI, and elimination of other causes of pain. This research aimed to identify cranial and spinal pathologies and neural morphologies linked to CM-P and SM in dogs using MRI scans and machine learning with the aim of identifying novel data driven biomarkers which could confirm CM-P and identify dogs at risk of developing SM. The methodology identified four regions of interest as having robust discrimination for CM-P, with 89% sensitivity and 76% specificity. A set of morphological features linked to CM-P were identified. Four regions of interest were also identified as having robust discrimination for SM, with 84% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Overall, these findings shed light on the distinct morphologies related to CM-P and SM, offering the potential for more accurate and objective diagnoses in affected dogs using MRI. These results contribute to the further understanding of the complex pathologies associated with CM and SM in brachycephalic toy pure and mixed breed dogs and support the potential utility of data-driven techniques for advancing our knowledge of these debilitating conditions.
Sustainable Agriculture with Self-Powered Wireless Sensing
Authors: Xiao Xinqing
Published: January 2025

Agricultural sustainability is becoming more and more important for human health. Wireless sensing technology could provide smart monitoring in real time for different parameters in planting, breeding, and the food supply chain with advanced sensors such as flexible sensors; wireless communication networks such as third-, fourth-, or fifth-generation (3G, 4G, or 5G) mobile communication technology networks; and artificial intelligence (AI) models. Many sustainable, natural, renewable, and recycled facility energies such as light, wind, water, heat, acoustic, radio frequency (RF), and microbe energies that exist in actual agricultural systems could be harvested by advanced self-powered technologies and devices using solar cells, electromagnetic generators (EMGs), thermoelectric generators (TEGs), piezoelectric generators (PZGs), triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), or microbial full cells (MFCs). Sustainable energy harvesting to the maximum extent possible could lead to the creation of sustainable self-powered wireless sensing devices, reduce carbon emissions, and result in the implementation of precision smart monitoring, management, and decision making for agricultural production. Therefore, this article suggests that proposing and developing a self-powered wireless sensing system for sustainable agriculture (SAS) would be an effective way to improve smart agriculture production efficiency while achieving green and sustainable agriculture and, finally, ensuring food quality and safety and human health.
Mechanisms by Which Soil Solution Fe2+ Affects Seedling Growth of Rice Under Rice Straw Return
Authors: Li Jinwang , Gao Shiwei , Bao Chao , Yan Shuangshuang , Ma Cheng , Ma Chunmei , Yan Chao
Published: January 2025

Rice straw return plays an important role in sustainable agricultural development, but the impact of rice straw return on rice growth remains inconclusive. In this experiment, we employed a combination of soil and water cultivation experiments to investigate the impact of rice straw return on seedling growth of rice in Northeast China. This study demonstrated that rice straw return inhibited rice plant growth within 37 days but was no longer significant after 37 days. Rice straw return resulted in an increase in iron(II) (Fe2+) concentration of soil solution. The hydroponic test demonstrated that a high concentration of Fe2+ significantly increased the uptake of Fe, reduced the H2O2 content in root, facilitated the formation of root iron plaque, and inhibited the dry weight at the rice seedling stage, in comparison to a nutrient solution with a normal Fe2+ concentration. The increased Fe2+ concentration of soil solution under rice straw return may be a significant factor in the inhibition of rice seedling growth. Moreover, in field management, this study also linked the amount of rice straw returned and soil solution Fe2+ to provide a clear quantitative guide without affecting plant growth.
Intestinal Effects of Brewers’ Spent Grain Extract In Ovo (Gallus gallus)—A Pilot Study
Authors: Huang Melissa Y. , Smieska Louisa M. , Tako Elad
Published: January 2025

Upcycling brewers’ spent grain (BSG) into poultry feed needs to be optimized. Since broiler chickens inefficiently digest fiber, we created a water-soluble BSG extract (BSGE) to explore this fraction’s potential nutritional benefits. We utilized intra-amniotic administration (in ovo) to target the gastrointestinal tract of broiler embryos. BSGE increased villus surface area and goblet cell quantity and size, implying improved duodenal development. The extract also changed cecal Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Clostridium abundances. Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy, along with zinc and iron transporter relative expression, did not reveal significant changes by BSGE. These findings highlight the potential for BSGE to be a functional feed component, underscoring the potential value of upcycling this byproduct. This pilot study supports future work exploring the impact of BSGE within feed and its effects over long-term consumption.
Phage Therapy for Orthopaedic Infections: The First Three Cases from the United Kingdom
Authors: Munteanu Daniela I. , Dunn John , Apjok Gábor , Kintses Bálint , Griselain Johann , Steurs Griet , Cochez Christel , Djebara Sarah , Merabishvili Maya , Pirnay Jean-Paul , Štilec Vida , Peterka Matjaž , Simpson Emily A. , Downie Samantha , MacInnes Alasdair , Nicol Graeme , Clift Benedict , Jones Joshua D.
Published: January 2025

Background: Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. The antimicrobial resistance crisis has driven renewed interest in phage therapy, including the use of phages to treat chronic orthopaedic infections. Methods: Here, we present the results of the first three orthopaedic patients treated with phage therapy in the United Kingdom. Results: The first patient was treated in May 2023 and received phages active against Staphylococcus aureus. At nine months follow-up, the patient’s wound remained healed, the C-reactive protein normal and the patient was walking independently. The second patient received phages active against Klebsiella pneumoniae and S. aureus; the infection remained unresolved. The third patient received phages active against Staphylococcus epidermidis; at six months follow-up, the patient was free of infection. Endotoxin was considered at least partially responsible for mild self-limiting adverse effects in two cases. Conclusions: These promising results hint at the potential for phage therapy to transform the care of chronic orthopaedic infections.
Leveraging the Chain on Goals Model in Football: Applications for Attack and Defensive Play
Authors: De-la-Cruz-Torres Blanca , Navarro-Castro Miguel , Ruiz-de-Alarcón-Quintero Anselmo
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Football analysis has experienced significant growth in recent years as an applied research field. This study aims to contribute to this area by applying the chain on goals model to analyze both the attacking and defensive phases of football matches. Additionally, it introduces four practical concepts to better understand player and team performance in Spain’s professional football leagues. Method: Data for the 2023/24 season were collected from Football Reference, covering both men’s (LaLiga) and women’s (LigaF) leagues. Variables analyzed included team performance, attack and defensive performance, goals saved above average (GSAA), goals and possession value (PV), expected goals (xG), and xG on target (xGOT) for attack and defensive phases. Four practical concepts analyzed were off-ball movement (PV-xG), player’s offensive quality (xG-xGOT), team’s positioning (PVA-xGA), and player’s defensive quality (xGA-xGOTA). Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed to compare all variables between the two leagues using an Independent Student’s test. Additionally, correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships between the four concepts. Results: Significant differences were observed between leagues in defensive performance (p = 0.03) and GSAA (p < 0.001). Practical concepts revealed disparities in off-ball movement and team’s positioning (p < 0.001 in both). No correlations were found between off-ball movement and player’s offensive quality or between team’s positioning and player’s defensive quality. Conclusions: The Spanish women’s league exhibited defensive weaknesses, conceding more goals and showing lower goalkeeper performance. PV was the most influential variable in the women’s league, while xG was critical in the men’s league.
A Review of Artificial Intelligence Research in Peer-Reviewed Communication Journals
Authors: Ertem-Eray Tugce , Cheng Yang
Published: January 2025

This study analyzes artificial intelligence (AI) research in communication scholarship through a content analysis of published articles between 2006 and 2022. It aims to understand the status of AI research between 2006 and 2022 and identify directions for future inquiry. Findings indicate that the number of articles about AI has increased over the years and scholars should continue applying existing theoretical frameworks or proposing new ones to investigate diverse topics across cultural and sociopolitical contexts.
Streamlining Visual UI Design: Mining UI Design Patterns for Top App Bars
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Zhenbo , Lin Tao
Published: January 2025

The Top App Bar (TAB) seamlessly integrates essential elements such as app titles, navigation icons, action buttons, and search fields without creating visual clutter. However, designing a well-structured TAB presents a challenge, particularly for novice UI designers, due to the need to balance aesthetics, functionality, usability, and user experience within a limited space. This study introduces an auxiliary design method to address this challenge. It proposes the sequence representation learning technique to cluster TABs in software repositories based on their structure. A novice designer can input their preconceptualized structure to retrieve design examples from the software repository’s TAB clusters that have structures identical or similar to their concepts. Experimental results demonstrate the method’s effectiveness, achieving an accuracy of 66.7% and an F-1 score of 0.717, highlighting its alignment with human clustering. This method not only enhances the design efficiency of novice designers but also helps them understand successful design practices in various contexts. By avoiding common pitfalls and design errors, designers can adapt and innovate based on existing solutions. The dataset used in this study, containing approximately 4228 TABs, is available on Zenodo.
The Differentiation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Other Olive Oil Categories Based on FTIR Spectroscopy and Random Forest
Authors: Gardeli Chrysavgi , Sykioti Stavroula , Exarchos George , Koliatsou Maria , Andritsos Periklis , Panagou Efstathios Z.
Published: January 2025

The great interest in the rapid and reliable differentiation of extra virgin olive oil from other olive oil categories is directly related to its unique sensory characteristics and high market prices. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of FTIR as a rapid and non-invasive technique to discriminate extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from other olive oil categories (virgin olive oil, ordinary, and lampante) based on the acquired spectral profile of olive oil. Spectral data were collected, pre-processed, and correlated by Random Forest (RF) analysis with the sensory category (EVOO vs. other) of olive oil samples, as defined by sensory analysis undertaken previously by trained panelists. The results showed that the application of Savitzky–Golay (S-G) smoothing with a second derivative (d = 2), second- and third-order polynomial (p = 2, p = 3), and window size (w) of 12 and 13 points achieved the highest accuracy (0.91) between the two classes of samples. Characteristic spectral bands of triacylglycerols related to the carbonyl groups present in triacylglycerols (C=O) located near 1744 cm−1 (specific features: 1739, 1748, and 1751 cm−1), the fingerprinting area 1250–1000 cm−1 (specific features: 1088, 1094, 1116, 1123, 1124, 1158, 1162, 1236, 1240, and 1247 cm−1), which correspond to CH bending, and 1680 cm−1, which is associated with unsaturated aldehydes were observed to constitute the main basis of the discrimination of EVOO from the “other” class. The ability of the model to achieve high classification accuracy demonstrates the robustness of the FTIR spectral data combined with advanced machine learning techniques. Due to the lower cost and more rapid analysis time afforded by FTIR, this method provides promising perspectives for industrial olive oil classification.
A DeBERTa-Based Semantic Conversion Model for Spatiotemporal Questions in Natural Language
Authors: Lu Wenjuan , Ming Dongping , Mao Xi , Wang Jizhou , Zhao Zhanjie , Cheng Yao
Published: January 2025

To address current issues in natural language spatiotemporal queries, including insufficient question semantic understanding, incomplete semantic information extraction, and inaccurate intent recognition, this paper proposes NL2Cypher, a DeBERTa (Decoding-enhanced BERT with disentangled attention)-based natural language spatiotemporal question semantic conversion model. The model first performs semantic encoding on natural language spatiotemporal questions, extracts pre-trained features based on the DeBERTa model, inputs feature vector sequences into BiGRU (Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit) to learn text features, and finally obtains globally optimal label sequences through a CRF (Conditional Random Field) layer. Then, based on the encoding results, it performs classification and semantic parsing of spatiotemporal questions to achieve question intent recognition and conversion to Cypher query language. The experimental results show that the proposed DeBERTa-based conversion model NL2Cypher can accurately achieve semantic information extraction and intent understanding in both simple and compound queries when using Chinese corpus, reaching an F1 score of 92.69%, with significant accuracy improvement compared to other models. The conversion accuracy from spatiotemporal questions to query language reaches 88% on the training set and 92% on the test set. The proposed model can quickly and accurately query spatiotemporal data using natural language questions. The research results provide new tools and perspectives for subsequent knowledge graph construction and intelligent question answering, effectively promoting the development of geographic information towards intelligent services.