bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Europejczycy i Afrykanie. Wzajemne odkrycia i pierwsze kontakty
Authors: Tymowski Michał
Published: November 2024

Pragnę zbadać, jak Europejczycy i Afrykanie, ludzie tak różnych kultur, zareagowali na owo nieoczekiwane spotkanie. Jakich doznawali uczuć, czego się bali, co budziło ich podziw, zdziwienie i zaciekawienie? Czym się oburzali? Dlaczego podejmowali ryzyko, by lepiej poznać stronę przeciwną? Jak ze sobą walczyli, jak i dlaczego ginęli? Kiedy nawiązali ze sobą pierwsze kontakty, jak się porozumiewali i gdzie organizowali spotkania? W jakich dziedzinach rozpoczęli współpracę? Jaki był los afrykańskiej mniejszości żyjącej w Portugalii oraz los portugalskich zbiegów żyjących w Afryce? Jakie było miejsce i znaczenie kobiet w przebiegu owych kontaktów? Co Europejczycy sądzili o Afrykanach, a co Afrykanie o Europejczykach? Jak długo obustronne opinie wynikały z doświadczeń wzajemnego poznawania się i jakim przemianom ulegały? Po jakim czasie i pod wpływem jakich okoliczności zaczęły się one przekształcać w stereotypy?
Haiku po polsku. Genologia w perspektywie transkulturowej
Authors: Śniecikowska Beata
Published: November 2024

Książka jest pierwszą monografią poezji polskiej dającej się różnorako wiązać z japońskimi miniaturami haiku. Autorka poddaje analizie lirykę ostatnich z górą stu lat (od Młodej Polski po czasy najnowsze), omawia intersemiotyczne uwikłania haiku, dotyka również problematyki translatologicznej. W pracy opisywane są zarówno utwory ortodoksyjnie wierne założeniom japońskich 17-zgłoskowców, jak i wiersze różnorako oscylujące wokół prototypu gatunku oraz miniatury ukrywające pod modnym dalekowschodnim szyldem stare europejskie formy literackie. Monografia wpisuje się w nurt badań komparatystyki kulturowej; pokazuje panoramę zjawisk artystycznych szeroko definiowanego modernizmu: polskiego i, w bardziej punktowych odsłonach, zachodnioeuropejskiego i amerykańskiego.
(U)sługi domowe. Przemiany relacji społecznych w płatnej pracy domowej
Authors: Kordasiewicz Anna
Published: November 2024

Książka „(U)sługi domowe” to propozycja spojrzenia na przemiany relacji społecznych we współczesnej Polsce przez pryzmat płatnej pracy domowej. Podsumowuje ponad dziesięcioletni okres badań nad płatną pracą domową w powojennej Polsce, podejmowaną współcześnie przez Polaków za granicą oraz nad historycznymi formami służby domowej. Przedstawia dylematy transformacyjnej Polski, napięcia relacyjne o charakterze kulturowym i klasowym ukryte pod zindywidualizowanym i interpersonalnym przeżywaniem „kontraktu płatnej pracy domowej”. Oferuje interpretację współczesności wg klucza przeplatających się i współwystępujących przejawów przednowoczesnego, nowoczesnego i ponowoczesnego sposobu ujmowania ładu społecznego w skali mikro i w życiu codziennym.
Code and Data Repository for Average Case Subquadratic Exact and Heuristic Procedures for the Traveling Salesman 2-OPT Neighborhood
Authors: Lancia Giuseppe , Vidoni Paolo
Published: November 2024

The repository contains all files necessary to replicate computational experiments as those reported in the paper "Average case sub-quadratic exact and heuristic procedures for the traveling salesman 2-OPT neighborhood", by Giuseppe Lancia and Paolo Vidoni, INFORMS Journal on Computing, 2024.
The Fairness of Credit Scoring Models
Authors: Hurlin Christophe , Pérignon Christophe , Saurin Sébastien
Published: November 2024

In credit markets, screening algorithms aim to discriminate between good-type and bad-type borrowers. However, when doing so, they can also discriminate between individuals sharing a protected attribute (e.g., gender, age, racial origin) and the rest of the population. This can be unintentional and originate from the training data set or from the model itself. We show how to formally test the algorithmic fairness of scoring models and how to identify the variables responsible for any lack of fairness. We then use these variables to optimize the fairness-performance tradeoff. Our framework provides guidance on how algorithmic fairness can be monitored by lenders, controlled by their regulators, improved for the benefit of protected groups, while still maintaining a high level of forecasting accuracy.

This paper was accepted by Will Cong, finance.

Funding: This work was supported by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) Chair in Regulation and Systemic Risk, the Fintech Chair at Dauphine-PSL University, and the French National Research Agency (ANR) [MLEforRisk ANR-21-CE26-0007, Ecodec ANR-11-LABX-0047, and F-STAR ANR-17-CE26-0007-01].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03888 .
Estresses (im)predizíveis no ciclo de vida familiar em famílias negras brasileiras
Authors: Damascena Ozório Claudina
Published: November 2024

Neste estudo, apresenta-se alguns estresses (im)predizíveis como gravidez na adolescência, morte abrupta e separação que fizeram parte do ciclo vital familiar das famílias negras entrevistadas. Com o objetivo de identificar como foram manejadas as transições ao longo do ciclo vital, diante de tais estresses, foi feita uma entrevista semiestruturada com 3 famílias negras, representadas pelas mães. Como método de análise foi realizada a análise categorial de conteúdo das entrevistas e, de  forma complementar, utilizou-se o software IRaMuTeQ para análise textual. Nos resultados foi possível perceber que as situações racistas podem ser consideradas estresses impredizíveis, porém podem ser consierados previsíveis e esperadas ao longo do ciclo vital familiar das participantes e sobrecarregaram emocionalmente o sistema familiar. Com isso, a cada situação vivenciada, as mães precisaram se adaptar ao novo contexto pós estresse, readequando projetos de vida e tendo de lidar com as consequências. O estudo contribui para as áreas de psicologia clínica e do desenvolvimento, promovendo reflexões sobre as complexidades em torno das famílias negras. Além disso, os resultados da pesquisa podem colaborar para a construção de ferramentas teórico-práticas para a intervenção, visando a promoção de saúde e bem-estar emocional de famílias afro-brasileiras.
Leveraging explainable artificial intelligence for early prediction of bloodstream infections using historical electronic health records
Authors: Bopche Rajeev , Gustad Lise Tuset , Afset Jan Egil , Ehrnström Birgitta , Damås Jan Kristian , Nytrø Øystein
Published: November 2024

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a severe public health threat due to their rapid progression into critical conditions like sepsis. This study presents a novel eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) framework to predict BSIs using historical electronic health records (EHRs). Leveraging a dataset from St. Olavs Hospital in Trondheim, Norway, encompassing 35,591 patients, the framework integrates demographic, laboratory, and comprehensive medical history data to classify patients into high-risk and low-risk BSI groups. By avoiding reliance on real-time clinical data, our model allows for enhanced scalability across various healthcare settings, including resource-limited environments. The XAI framework significantly outperformed traditional models, particularly with tree-based algorithms, demonstrating superior specificity and sensitivity in BSI prediction. This approach promises to optimize resource allocation and potentially reduce healthcare costs while providing interpretability for clinical decision-making, making it a valuable tool in hospital systems for early intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Carbapenemase-producing bacteria recovered from Nairobi River, Kenya surface water and from nearby anthropogenic and zoonotic sources
Authors: Too Rael J. , Kariuki Samuel M. , Gitao George C. , Bebora Lilly C. , Mollenkopf Dixie F. , Wittum Thomas E.
Published: November 2024

Carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CRB) present a significant global public health concern. Sub-Saharan Africa has borne a heavy burden of CRB with a reported prevalence of up to 60% in some patient populations. es in Africa focus on clinical CRB isolates, with limited data on their spread in the natural environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to report the recovery of CRB from Nairobi River surface waters and nearby anthropogenic and zoonotic sources in Nairobi County, Kenya. A total of 336 CRB were recovered from 336 (250 mL) samples, with 230 of the samples (68.5%) producing one or more CRB isolates. CRB were recovered most commonly from untreated sewage influent (100% of 36 samples; 79 total isolates), treated effluent (93% of 118 samples; 116 total isolates), Nairobi River surface waters upstream (100% of 36 samples; 57 total isolates), downstream (100% of 36 samples; 45 total isolates), and way downstream from the wastewater treatment plant (73% of 11 samples; 19 total isolates), slaughterhouse effluent discharges 1.5%, (5/336), animal contact areas 0.9%, (3/336), a manhole sewer from the affluent neighborhood of Karen at 2.7%, (9/336) respectively. The CRB included Escherichia coli (158, 47%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (74, 22%), and Enterobacter spp (43, 13%). Aeromonas spp (29, 9%) Acinetobacter baumannii (12, 3.6%), Citrobacter freundii (7, 2.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5, 1.5%) and other species (8, 2.4%). CRB genotypes included blaNDM (246, 73.2%), blaKPC (40, 12%), blaVIM (51, 15.2%), blaOXA-48-like (65, 19.3%), blaIMP (15, 4.5%), and blaGES (7, 2.1%). Sixty-nine of the CRB isolates (20.5%) harbored multiple carbapenemase-encoding genes. Our results indicate that clinically important CRB are commonly present in Nairobi River surface water and from nearby wastewater and livestock sources. These pose an important public health threat that requires urgent intervention strategies and additional investigation.
“Behavioural and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among post-menopausal women: A cross-sectional study in Itahari sub-metropolitan city of Nepal”
Authors: Khatri Suraksha , Yadav Deepak Kumar , Ghimire Anup , Baral Dharanidhar , Yadav Birendra Kumar , Pokharel Paras Kumar
Published: November 2024

Background and objectives

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are main cause of mortality and morbidity among women globally. Menopause, aging and different factors in collaboration leads to increased risk for CVDs among postmenopausal women but study on risk factors of CVDs among postmenopausal women is limited in Nepal. Therefore, we aimed to assess prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular disease among post-menopausal women.

Materials & methods

Community based cross-sectional study was carried among 390 post-menopausal women of the Itahari sub-metropolitan city. Multistage simple random sampling technique was used to collect data. Modified semi structured questionnaire STEP I, STEP II and STEP III was used as data collection tool. SPSS version 11.5 used for data analysis. Chi-square test and logistic regressions were performed at 95% confidence interval to find predictors of raised blood pressure and overweight/obesity.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 63.37 years. The prevalence of current smokers, current alcohol use, less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, low level of physical activity, overweight/obesity and raised blood pressure was 9.2%, 18.2%, 86.4%, 52.3%, 56.2% and 44.4% respectively. On multivariate analysis strong predictors of overweight obesity were age ≤59 years (AOR: 3.21, CI 1.49–6.89), poor economic status (AOR: 1.764, CI: 1.120–2.779) and low physical activity (AOR: 2.132, CI: 1.350–3.370). Predictors of raised blood pressure were age ≥75 years (AOR: 2.04, CI: 1.01–4.11), unmarried and widow (AOR: 1.815, CI: 1.108–2.971), higher economic status (AOR: 1.752, CI: 1.119–2.740) and smoking (AOR: 4.109, CI: 1.737–9.718).

Conclusion

Prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors among postmenopausal women in Itahari sub-metropolitan city were alarmingly high. This calls for an early need of intervention and policies at local, provincial and institutional level to address risk factors of CVDs.
Univariate and multivariate genomic prediction for agronomic traits in durum wheat under two field conditions
Authors: Vitale Paolo , Laidò Giovanni , Dono Gabriella , Pecorella Ivano , Ramasubramanian Vishnu , Lorenz Aaron , De Vita Pasquale , Pecchioni Nicola
Published: November 2024

Genomic prediction (GP) has been evaluated in durum wheat breeding programs for several years, but prediction accuracy (PA) remains insufficient for some traits. Recently, multivariate (MV) analysis has gained much attention due to its potential to significantly improve PA. In this study, PA was evaluated for several agronomic traits using a univariate (UV) model in durum wheat, subsequently, different multivariate genomic prediction models were performed to attempt to increase PA. The panel was phenotyped for 10 agronomic traits over two consecutive crop seasons and under two different field conditions: high nitrogen and well-watered (HNW), and low nitrogen and rainfed (LNR). Multivariate GP was implemented using two cross-validation (CV) schemes: MV-CV1, testing the model for each target trait using only the markers, and MV-CV2, testing the model for each target trait using additional phenotypic information. These two MV-CVs were applied in two different analyses: modelling the same trait under both HNW and LNR conditions, and modelling grain yield together with the five most genetically correlated traits. PA for all traits in HNW was higher than LNR for the same trait, except for the trait yellow index. Among all traits, PA ranged from 0.34 (NDVI in LNR) to 0.74 (test weight in HNW). In modelling the same traits in both HNW and LNR, MV-CV1 produced improvements in PA up to 12.45% (NDVI in LNR) compared to the univariate model. By contrast, MV-CV2 increased PA up to 56.72% (thousand kernel weight in LNR). The MV-CV1 scheme did not improve PA for grain yield when it was modelled with the five most genetically correlated traits, whereas MV-CV2 significantly improved PA by up to ~18%. This study demonstrated that increases in prediction accuracy for agronomic traits can be achieved by modelling the same traits in two different field conditions using MV-CV2. In addition, the effectiveness of MV-CV2 was established when grain yield was modelled with additional correlated traits.
Capability and accuracy of usual statistical analyses in a real-world setting using a federated approach
Authors: Jégou Romain , Bachot Camille , Monteil Charles , Boernert Eric , Chmiel Jacek , Boucher Mathieu , Pau David
Published: November 2024

Methods

The objective of this project was to determine the capability of a federated analysis approach using DataSHIELD to maintain the level of results of a classical centralized analysis in a real-world setting. This research was carried out on an anonymous synthetic longitudinal real-world oncology cohort randomly splitted in three local databases, mimicking three healthcare organizations, stored in a federated data platform integrating DataSHIELD. No individual data transfer, statistics were calculated simultaneously but in parallel within each healthcare organization and only summary statistics (aggregates) were provided back to the federated data analyst.

Descriptive statistics, survival analysis, regression models and correlation were first performed on the centralized approach and then reproduced on the federated approach. The results were then compared between the two approaches.

Results

The cohort was splitted in three samples (N1 = 157 patients, N2 = 94 and N3 = 64), 11 derived variables and four types of analyses were generated. All analyses were successfully reproduced using DataSHIELD, except for one descriptive variable due to data disclosure limitation in the federated environment, showing the good capability of DataSHIELD. For descriptive statistics, exactly equivalent results were found for the federated and centralized approaches, except some differences for position measures. Estimates of univariate regression models were similar, with a loss of accuracy observed for multivariate models due to source database variability.

Conclusion

Our project showed a practical implementation and use case of a real-world federated approach using DataSHIELD. The capability and accuracy of common data manipulation and analysis were satisfying, and the flexibility of the tool enabled the production of a variety of analyses while preserving the privacy of individual data. The DataSHIELD forum was also a practical source of information and support. In order to find the right balance between privacy and accuracy of the analysis, set-up of privacy requirements should be established prior to the start of the analysis, as well as a data quality review of the participating healthcare organization.
The double-edged effect of bank liquidity creation efficiency on systemic risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Tan Shuying , Liu Tingting , Wang Chan
Published: November 2024

Bank liquidity creation fosters economic growth while entailing liquidity mismatch risk. This study explores whether improving bank efficiency during liquidity creation can mitigate systemic risks. We propose a bank liquidity creation efficiency measure based on a stochastic frontier approach to analyze Chinese commercial listed banks from 2000-2021. Through systemic risk decomposition, we find that higher profit efficiency alleviates individual tail risk but strengthens system linkage for Chinese banks, representing a double-edged effect. Further analysis reveals that high profit efficiency is associated with more investment in real estate and higher risk-taking on loans. Banks’ digital transformation can help alleviate the dilemma of being too connected to the system. The results provide implications for emerging markets to prevent risk and promote economic growth.
Perches used as environmental enrichment influence fast-growth broilers’ biomechanics and locomotor morphometry at the age of 42 days
Authors: Nazareno Aerica Cirqueira , Silveira Robson Mateus Freitas , Fernandes Danielle Priscila Bueno , Chierri Jessica , Pradella Luiz Otavio , Oliveira da Silva Iran José
Published: November 2024

Currently available conventional breeding methods for broilers often result in impaired biomechanics and skeletal growth for the animals. The addition of environmental enrichment is an alternative which can help alleviate these effects. This study examines the effects of environmental enrichment on biomechanics, morphometry, and bone mass of broilers across various age groups. In total, 112 Cobb 500 chicks (50% male and 50% female) were used in a completely randomized design experiment, with 56 broilers per treatment (T1 and T2), carried out in subdivided plots. Each plot was subjected to a different treatment, as follows: all plots were subjected to the treatments (T1 = environmental enrichment and T2 = no environment enrichment) and the sub-plots held the broilers’ age groups (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days old). Eight broilers were euthanized on a weekly basis for two production cycles in order to perform morphometric (diameter and length) and biomechanical analysis of the response variables. These measurements were performed on the femur and tibia. Birds were subjected to classical linear fixed effects model and compared through Tukey’s mean test. Significant interactions between environmental enrichment and broiler age were noticed, particularly at 42 days, which displayed bone development for all variables under study. Except for the length of the femur of broiler chickens (p = 0.4638). Therefore, simple effects will not be evaluated. Environmental enrichment had a notable impact on tibia length (p = 0.0035), femur weight (p = 0.0014), and tibia weight (p<0.0001) at 42 days, indicating a favorable effect on skeletal growth in broilers. Enrichment resulted in a 1% increase in femur inertia, a 2% rise in tibia inertia, and a 1% enhancement in ultimate bending stress for both bones, displaying improved structural integrity and durability. Beneficial changes in bone morphology and biomechanics were observed at 42 days after enrichment.
Postnatal cord care practices and associated factors in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Teferi Zinabu Birhan , Tesema Kasahun Fikadu , Ukke Gebresilasea Gendisha , Tsegay Guesh Mebrahtom , Yhdego Freweyni Fisshatsion , Gebremariam Goitom Girmay
Published: November 2024

Background

Cord care is one component of essential newborn care that reduces newborn morbidity and mortality. Poor cord care practice leads to a large amount of neonatal death due to infection. In Ethiopia, many women give birth at home, where neonates are exposed to unclean cord care practices or application of different traditional substances. Despite the severity of the problem, studies related to postnatal cord care practice are scarce. Hence, this study is aimed to assess umbilical cord care practices and associated factors in the postnatal period in Arba Minch town.

Objective

To assess postnatal cord care practices and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last six months in Arba Minch Town, southern Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

Cross-sectional study design was conducted and using simple random sampling method 423 mothers who gave birth with in the last six months in Arba Minch town from November 11 to December 02, 2019, were selected. Data was collected using structured questionnaire administered by the interviewer. EpiData version 4.4 was used for data entry and SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Variables with p ≤ 0.25 in bivarible logistic regressions were considered as potential candidates for multivariable logistic regression analysis to control confounders. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was applied in multivariable logistic regression models, to identify variable, which has significant association.

Results

The overall proportion of women who had good postnatal cord care was 67.1%. The maternal age group of 25 to 29 years (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.35–4.68), maternal educational status of secondary school and above (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI: 2.05–8.54), mothers with good knowledge of cord care (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.03–3.05), and health facility delivery (AOR = 2.60; 95%CI: 1.05–6.41) were independent factors associated with good cord care.

Conclusions

The proportion of good cord-care practice reported in this study was relatively worthy. Maternal age group of 25–29 years, maternal educational status of secondary school and above, having good knowledge of cord care, and delivering at health facility were factors that increased good postnatal cord care practice. Therefore, investing in improving these factors would positively affect maternal postnatal cord care practice. In order to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality, routine counseling of cord care practice to mothers would attain good knowledge about postnatal cord care practices. Community health education would also increase awareness and practice of postnatal cord care.
Poverty induced inequality in nutrition among children born during 2010–2021 in India
Authors: Khan Junaid , Mohanty Sanjay K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Almost two-fifth of the children in India is stunted and among various factors, poverty differential in child undernutrition is the largest. Using the latest population-based survey of National Family Health Survey, 2015–16 and 2019–21 this paper examined the poverty induced inequality in child stunting across the sub-populations of India.

Methods

A sample of 213,136 children aged between 0–5 years from NFHS fourth round and 98,222 children in the same age group from the NFHS fifth round constitute the study sample. The wealth index is used as the proxy of household’s economic wellbeing and height-for-age (HAZ) z-score of a child is used to identify the stunting status of the child. Box plots are drawn to understand the distributional characteristics of the HAZ score for both the study sample. We calculate the Erreygers corrected concentration index and decomposed the concentration indices using Gonzalo-Almorox and Urbanos-Garrido method.

Results

During 2015–16, more than half of the children from the poorest wealth quintile were stunted (52%), compared to 22% among the children from richest wealth quintile. In 2015–16, stunting was as high as 65% among the children of mothers with low stature (height less than 145 cm) and from the poorest wealth quintile whereas, the prevalence was observed 56% from the same sub-population during 2019–21. Among various factors, the concentration index of stunting was observed highest among the children of 36–47 months (-0.28) followed by children of age 48–59 months (-0.27) and among the fully immunized children (-0.25). Similar to NFHS-4, NFHS-5 also shows a predominantly higher socio-economic inequality among 24+ months children and among the fully immunised children. Factors like child age, birth order and sanitation showed positive elasticity. Decomposition analysis of NFHS-4 data shows that due to uneven distribution of wealth, mother’s education as a determinant of child stunting solely explained 33% of the overall inequality followed by improved access to sanitation (24%), mother’s height (8%) and place of residence (5%). Similar to NFHS-4, NFHS-5 data also shows that mother’s education, sanitation, mother’s height and place of residence predominantly contributes to the overall wealth inequality in child stunting.

Conclusions

In India, poverty differential in child undernutrition is acute among the different sub-population of children. And the concentration of stunted children is higher among the different sub-population with higher wealth poverty. Mother’s education, improved sanitation and mother’s height explained larger variation in the overall inequalities in child nutrition across India.
Radiation effect or siphon effect? Coupled coordination and spatial effects of digital economy and green manufacturing efficiency—Evidence from spatial Durbin modelling
Authors: Sun Xiaoshu , Zhang Wanyu , Kuang Xianming
Published: November 2024

This study uses the non-expected SBM-DEM model of factor input-output to measure the green manufacturing efficiency of 274 cities at prefecture level and above in China. The relationship between digital economy and green manufacturing efficiency is analysed on this basis. It is found that the current coupling coordination between digital economy and green manufacturing efficiency is low overall, and there are obvious regional differences. And the digital economy has a significant positive impact on the green manufacturing efficiency of the region and the neighbouring regions, so the digital economy has a radiation effect on the green manufacturing efficiency. Among them, industrial agglomeration plays part of the mediating effect. Based on this conclusion, the following policy recommendations are proposed: first, accelerate the development of the digital economy to stimulate the new kinetic energy of urban green development. Second, implement differentiated development strategies, focusing on the leading role of green advanced cities. Third, deepen the convergence of industries and smooth the channels for green urban development.
Effects of Er:YAG laser debonding on changes in the properties of dental zirconia
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Dong Haitao , Wu Xiaomin , Li Qian , Zhao Jizhi , Guo Chunlan
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To investigate changes in the optical and mechanical properties of novel zirconia ceramics applied in dentistry after Er:YAG laser debonding and to evaluate the feasibility and value of reusing zirconia restorations debonded by an Er:YAG laser.

Methods

Four types of zirconia ceramics were investigated: self-glazed zirconia (SGZ), 3Y-TZP, 4Y-PSZ and 5Y-PSZ. Forty rectangular (25 mm*8 mm*1.5 mm) specimens were fabricated for each zirconia type, and a total of 160 specimens were manufactured. The zirconia specimens were divided into four subgroups according to the applied Er:YAG laser debonding process: the control group, 4 W laser group, 5 W laser group, and 6 W laser group. For each subgroup, 10 specimens were subjected to color tests (color difference (△E) and transparency parameter (TP) tests) and subsequent mechanical tests (flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (EM), Vickers hardness (VH) and surface roughness (Ra) tests). The △E, TP, FS, EM, VH and Ra values were measured and calculated. One random sample from each subgroup was observed by SEM. Statistical analyses were performed by one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc comparisons (α = 0.05).

Results

The △E and TP values after Er:YAG laser debonding were not significantly different among the subgroups (P > 0.05). However, the 6 W laser group had the highest △E and lowest TP. The ranges of changes in △E and TP were below the clinically detectable threshold (△E = 1.2, △TP = 1.33). In terms of the mechanical properties, there were no significant differences in the FS, EM, VH or Ra among the subgroups. No obvious microcracks were detected on the surfaces of the zirconia specimens during SEM.

Conclusions

Er:YAG laser debonding does not obviously affect the optical or mechanical properties of novel zirconia ceramics in dentistry. Moreover, it is potentially feasible and valuable to reuse zirconia restorations after Er:YAG laser debonding.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical care and patient-focused outcomes of advanced nursing practice: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chair Sek Ying , Kilpatrick Kelley , Heffernan Catrina , Hays Stacia M. , Liu Huaping
Published: November 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted advanced practice nurses’ practice and posed great challenges in patient care delivery.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of advanced practice nurses in mainland China and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted March 2021 and January 2022. Advanced practice nurses were invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire described the socio-demographic characteristics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on advanced nursing practice, patient outcomes, education needs about COVID-19, and the challenges, support, and concerns related to the advanced practice nurse practice during the pandemic. Wilcoxon signed-rank test or McNemar test were applied to measure the practice of APNs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Respondents (N = 336) were from mainland China (n = 234) and Hong Kong SAR (n = 102). Participants reported increased practice-related workload during the pandemic. The proportions of advanced practice nurses focused on disease prevention (36.9%) and psychosocial well-being (15.5%) for patient-focused outcomes during the pandemic were higher compared to before the pandemic. Key challenges and concerns during the pandemic included heavy workloads and health concerns for themselves and their families. Despite difficulties, there were reports of positive changes since the outbreak including implementation of innovative measures to facilitate the advanced practice nursing and education about COVID-19.

Conclusion

The study findings highlight that advanced practice nurses’ work and responsibilities have changed in response to the pandemic. Providing education about COVID-19, innovative measures to facilitate advanced practice nursing, and understanding advanced practice nurses’ concerns and challenges in providing patient care may inform future developments for improving their professional practice.
Effect of laser photobiomodulation combined with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells using artificial intelligence: An in vitro study
Authors: de Melo Eloiza Leonardo , Miranda Jéssica Meirinhos , Lima Vanessa Bastos de Souza Rolim , Gaião Wyndly Daniel Cardoso , Tostes Braulio de Vilhena Amorim , Rodrigues Claudio Gabriel , Bezerra da Silva Márcia , Júnior Severino Alves , Pontes Perger Edson Luiz , Bispo Mávio Eduardo Azevedo , de Martínez Gerbi Marleny Elizabeth Márquez
Published: November 2024

Aim

To evaluate in vitro the effect of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) combined or not with 30-nm hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANp), on the osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) by morphometric analysis using artificial intelligence programs (TensorFlow and ArcGIS).

Methods

UC-MSCs were isolated and cultured until 80% confluence was reached. The cells were then plated according to the following experimental groups: G1 –control (DMEM), G2 –BMP-2, G3 –BMP-7, G4 –PBM (660 nm, 10 mW, 2.5 J/cm2, spot size of 0.08 cm2), G5 –HANp, G6 –HANp + PBM, G7 –BMP-2 + PBM, and G8 –BMP-7 + PBM. The MTT assay was used to analyze cell viability at 24, 48 and 72 h. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin Red staining after 7, 14 and 21 days. For morphometric analysis, areas of osteogenic differentiation (pixel2) were delimited by machine learning using the TensorFlow and ArcGIS 10.8 programs.

Results

The results of the MTT assay showed high rates of cell viability and proliferation in all groups when compared to control. Morphometric analysis revealed a greater area of osteogenic differentiation in G5 (HANp = 142709,33±36573,39) and G6 (HANp + PBM = 125452,00±24226,95) at all time points evaluated.

Conclusion

It is suggested that HANp, whether combined with PBM or not, may be a promising alternative to enhance the cellular viability and osteogenic differentiation of hUC-MSCs.
StackIL10: A stacking ensemble model for the improved prediction of IL-10 inducing peptides
Authors: Tuhin Izaz Ahmmed , Mia Md. Rajib , Islam Md. Monirul , Mahmud Imran , Gongora Henry Fabian , Rios Carlos Uc , Ashraf Imran , Samad Md. Abdus
Published: November 2024

Interleukin-10, a highly effective cytokine recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, plays a critical role in the immune system. In addition to its well-documented capacity to mitigate inflammation, IL-10 can unexpectedly demonstrate pro-inflammatory characteristics under specific circumstances. The presence of both aspects emphasizes the vital need to identify the IL-10-induced peptide. To mitigate the drawbacks of manual identification, which include its high cost, this study introduces StackIL10, an ensemble learning model based on stacking, to identify IL-10-inducing peptides in a precise and efficient manner. Ten Amino-acid-composition-based Feature Extraction approaches are considered. The StackIL10, stacking ensemble, the model with five optimized Machine Learning Algorithm (specifically LGBM, RF, SVM, Decision Tree, KNN) as the base learners and a Logistic Regression as the meta learner was constructed, and the identification rate reached 91.7%, MCC of 0.833 with 0.9078 Specificity. Experiments were conducted to examine the impact of various enhancement techniques on the correctness of IL-10 Prediction. These experiments included comparisons between single models and various combinations of stacking-based ensemble models. It was demonstrated that the model proposed in this study was more effective than singular models and produced satisfactory results, thereby improving the identification of peptides that induce IL-10.
Occurrence of multiple infections of rodents with parasites and bacteria in the Sibang Arboretum, Libreville, Gabon
Authors: Makouloutou-Nzassi Patrice , Nze-Nkogue Chimène , Makanga Boris Kevin , Longo-Pendy Neil Michel , Bourobou Bourobou Judi Armel , Bikie Bi Nso Branly Cordia , Akomo-Okoue Etienne François , Mbazoghe-Engo Cherone-Cheba , Bangueboussa Félicien , Sevidzem Silas Lendzele , Ebang Ella Ghislain Wilfried , Mangama Koumba Lillian B. , Nguelet Fred Loïc Mindonga , Mintsa Nguema Rodrigue , Boundenga Larson
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: Rodents are carriers or reservoirs of various bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and ectoparasites. Given the proximity of various rodent species and humans, there is a potential for the transmission of pathogens. Data on ecto- and endo-parasite prevalence in rodent populations in Gabon are limited. To fill this gap, we conducted a study in Libreville to investigate the occurrence of ecto- and endo-parasites in rodents.

Materials and Methods: We captured and euthanized 68 rodents belonging to the genus Praomys and examined their ecto- and endo-parasite fauna, dissected their gastrointestinal tract for helminths, and prepared blood smears to examine blood-borne pathogens.

Results: Our analyses identified three pathogen taxa: helminths (Protospirura spp., Trichuris spp., and Taenia spp.), protozoa (Babesia spp.), bacteria (Anaplasma spp.), and arthropods (Laelaps and Haemaphysalis). Overall, 91.2% of the rodents were infected with at least one pathogen and ectoparasite, with helminth and ectoparasite occurrence rate of 63.2% and ectoparasite occurrence at 44.1%. Protozoan infections (Babesia spp.) were found in 10.3% of the rodents, whereas bacteria (Anaplasma spp.) had an occurrence rate of 39.7%.

Conclusion: Native rodents in Libreville harbor various infectious agents, ecto- and endo-parasites. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with Praomys rodents for the transmission of various diseases to human population in Gabon and emphasize the need for investigation of rodents for their role as disease carriers.

Keywords: Anaplasma, Babesia, Gabon, Haemaphysalis, Helminths, Laelaps, Praomys.
Estudo sobre o potencial de turismo cinematográfico em Barra, Parelhas/ RN – locação do filme brasileiro Bacurau (2019)
Authors: Freire  Lopes Bianca , Vieira da Silva Michel Jairo , Lanzarini Ricardo , Carvalho Karoliny Diniz
Published: November 2024

O turismo cinematográfico surge como a influência de produções audiovisuais no momento em que os turistas escolhem seus destinos. As obras que são geradas pelo cinema atraem os viajantes, tendo o poder de transformar locais em destinos turísticos. Este estudo tem como objetivo principal entender as condições do turismo cinematográfico na Barra, localizada em Parelhas, no Rio Grande do Norte, onde foi gravada a maior parte das cenas do filme Bacurau (2019). Possui como objetivos específicos: compreender historicamente o filme Bacurau e a comunidade da Barra; caracterizar os elementos fílmicos com potencial para o turismo cinematográfico e propor práticas de turismo cinematográfico passíveis de serem desenvolvidas. A metodologia caracteriza-se como uma abordagem qualitativa de caráter exploratório-descritivo. Desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, além de uma pesquisa de campo, com uso de instrumento diagnóstico, observações e entrevistas. Como resultado, observou-se o potencial da comunidade da Barra para atender ao turismo cinematográfico, com apresentação de ideias voltadas à visitação a partir dos elementos fílmicos, reconhecendo, contudo, a necessidade de um planejamento e de investimentos públicos, além da capacitação profissional, com vistas à captação de turistas e à estruturação de um roteiro de turismo cinematográfico.
Impacto da Valência, Apelo e Clareza de Avaliações Online no Desempenho Hoteleiro: Estudo de Caso do Brasil
Authors: Donadio Costa Gabriel , João Lunkes Rogério
Published: November 2024

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os efeitos da valência, apelo e clareza das avaliações online no desempenho (não financeiro e financeiro) de hotéis. Os dados foram coletados de fontes primárias, através de um questionário em hotéis brasileiros, e de fontes secundárias, por meio de web scraping na plataforma digital TripAdvisor. Foram utilizadas redes neurais transformers para análise textual multidimensional de 89.290 avaliações online e, posteriormente, empregou-se a modelagem de equações estruturais (PLS-SEM) para investigar as relações do modelo empírico. Os resultados mostram que a valência (sentimento e rating reputacional) e a clareza (detalhamento e compreensibilidade) das avaliações online estão positivamente associadas ao desempenho não financeiro e que as avaliações online com apelo emocional estão negativamente associadas ao desempenho não financeiro. Verificou-se, ainda, que o desempenho não financeiro afeta positiva e significativamente o desempenho financeiro dos hotéis
The role of summits in the development of interregional cooperation programs between the European Union and Latin America: The cases of Eurosocial and Euroclima
Authors:   , Castiblanco Lizeth Vanessa Ayala
Published: November 2024

In 1999, a strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and Latin America was established with the aim of strengthening political dialogue, cooperation initiatives and economic ties between the two regions. A set of biennial summits convening the Heads of State and Government was held to foster mutual understanding and address shared challenges. However, these summits were interrupted from 2015 to 2023 due to several internal and external circumstances that hindered the continuity of high-level political dialogue. Against this background, it is crucial to inquire about the significance of these meetings, the implications of their interruption, and the evolution of interregional cooperation during the non-summits period. In particular, this research aims to identify the role of summits between the Heads of State and Government of the EU and Latin America in the development of interregional cooperation programs and to what extent the lack of summits affected the functioning of these programs. To this end, a comprehensive study was conducted through the analysis of two case studies: Eurosocial and Euroclima. These cooperation programs were created by a mandate of the summits to address the issues of social inclusion and sustainable development, respectively. To conduct this study, a time framework of ten years was selected, encompassing two specific periods: from 2010 to 2015, referred to as the summits period, and from 2016 to 2020, identified as the non-summits period. A multi-method qualitative methodology was implemented by conducting a three-phase process of data collection and analysis, which involved the examination of interviews and primary documents. The results of this research revealed that summits play the role of providing guidelines that shape the operating mechanisms and implementation processes of cooperation programs. The main consequence of the lack of summits was the lack of new summit-driven guidelines. However, the continuity of the cooperation programs was not affected by the absence of summits due to their adherence to old summit-driven guidelines, which became structural characteristics of these programs, and the incorporation of new guidelines from external sources, such as regional forums in the case of Euroclima and international practices in the case of Eurosocial. Furthermore, the building of relational capital and the uninterrupted EU budget allocation also ensured the continuity of these cooperation programs during the non-summits period. These findings contribute to enriching the debate on the usefulness and relevance of summits and shed light on the factors that strengthen interregional cooperation programs during non-summits periods by providing empirical evidence from the case studies of Eurosocial and Euroclima.
Developing effective R&D models in higher education – Criteria and structured approaches
Authors: Huang Xin , Gábor András
Published: November 2024

This study provides a comprehensive framework for analysing and developing research and development (R&D) models in higher education. Despite the evolution of R&D management practices, there remains a lack of clearly defined models that ensure long-term flexibility and effective management within rapidly changing environments. Drawing on existing literature, this paper proposes criteria and structured approaches for higher education institutions (HEIs) to manage and facilitate R&D activities. By focusing on key dimensions such as mission alignment, research strategy, innovation strategy, and intellectual capital management, this study aims to offer practical guidelines to enhance the competitiveness and societal impact of HEIs. The goal is to move beyond general recommendations and provide a detailed criteria checklist to guide the development of effective R&D models.
FUNCTIONAL EQUATIONS AS MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF CYCLIC SHIFT COUPLING PROBLEMS ON COMPLEX CURVES
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Dil'man V.L.
Published: November 2024

The paper considers linear functional equations with a shift function having a nonzero derivative satisfying the Helder condition on an arbitrary piecewise smooth curve. Such equations are studied in connection with the theory of boundary value problems for analytical functions, which are a mathematical tool in the study of mathematical models of elasticity theory in which the conjugation conditions contain a boundary shift. The shift function acts cyclically on a set of simple curves forming a given curve, and except the ends of simple curves, there are no periodic points relative to the shift function. The purpose of the study is to find conditions for the existence and uniqueness of a solution (and in the case of non–uniqueness of the cardinality of the set of solutions) of such equations in the classes of Helder and primitive Lebesgue functions with a coefficient and the right part of the same classes.
SIMULATION OF SWARM ALGORITHMS FOR PATH PLANNING IN A TWO-DIMENSIONAL NON-MAPPED ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Taganrog, Russian Federation, Kostyukov V.A. , Medvedev I.M. , Medvedev M.Yu. , Pshikhopov V.Kh.
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the effectiveness of swarm path planning algorithms in a twodimensional unmapped environment. The efficiency criteria are the number of iterations in the path finding process and an assessment of the probability of successfully achieving the goal. During the study, the maximum speed of movement of the swarm and the maximum number of iterations during which it is allowed that the distance to the target does not decrease are changed. It is assumed that each particle can determine the state of the environment in a certain local region. By determining the state we mean determining the presence of an obstacle in a cell of the environment. To solve the problem of local minima, it is proposed to introduce a virtual obstacle at the local minimum point. This approach is generally known. The novelty of this approach lies in the fact that it solves the problem of detecting a local minimum by a swarm of particles. With a single movement, detecting a local minimum is trivial and comes down to checking the movement to previously visited cells. In the group case, a new solution to the problem of detecting a local minimum is required. This article provides a review and analysis of the path planning problem, problem formulation, problem statement, mathematical description of global swarm path planning algorithms with proposed modifications, pseudo-codes of planning algorithms and the results of a numerical study. In the course of numerical studies, the paper presents the criteria for the efficiency of path planning in an environment of 100100 cells with randomly placed obstacles.