bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of glaucoma prevalence in population of Black Earth regions in 2014–2021.
Authors:   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University., Kagramanyan I. N. , Osmanov E. M. ,   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University., Efimov D. V. ,   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University.
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study is to analyze the dynamics of glaucoma prevalence and incidence in population of Black Earth regions in 2014–2021. Materials and methods. The dynamics of glaucoma incidence and prevalence was studied by data of medical aid appealability of population of Black Earth regions. Analysis covered the period from 2014 to 2021. The study of morbidity rates was based on data from statistical digests of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and Russian Research Institute of Health. Results. The research findings showed the increase in glaucoma prevalence in 2014–2021 in population of Black Earth regions in general (by 0,5%) and in the Voronezh Region (by 21,7%), the Kursk Region (by 24,9%) and the Tambov Region (by 7,1%). Two Black Earth regions showed the decrease in glaucoma prevalence – the Belgorod Region (by 7,0%) and the Lipetsk Region (by 3,7%). Glaucoma incidence rate during analyzed period is characterized by downward trend in Russia as a whole (by 22,4%), as well as in all the Black Earth regions: the Lipetsk Region by 63,4%, the Tambov Region by 32,6%, the Belgorod Region by 23,4%, the Kursk Region by 20,1%, the Voronezh Region by 1,8%. Conclusions. The increase in glaucoma prevalence and incidence in the population of Russia, the Voronezh Region, the Kursk Region, the Tambov Region indicates the accumulation of a patient population with previously diagnosed glaucoma due to increased expectation of life and decreased detection of new glaucoma cases. The decrease in glaucoma prevalence and incidence in the Belgorod Region and the Lipetsk Region indicates the decreased access of medical services for patients with ophthalmic disease in public medical establishments of these regions.
On some economic aspects of providing high-tech medical care on the example of the profile «traumatology and orthopedics».
Authors:   The Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Starodubov V. I. , Tikhilov R. M. ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedicsnamed after R. R. Vreden, Chililov A. M. ,   A.V. Vishnevsky National Medical Research Center of Surgery, Kadyrov F. N. ,   The Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Zelenova O. V. ,   The Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the consideration of a number of economic aspects of providing high-tech medical care using the example of traumatology and orthopedics: methodological approaches to the concept of high-tech medical care, assessment of economic efficiency, analysis of financial support methods, etc. These aspects are particularly relevant due to the high cost of providing high-tech medical care, especially against the background of the current sanctions policy of many Western states. The analysis of the sources and methods of financial support for the provision of high-tech medical care, including from the point of view of historical perspective and perspective, is given.
Development of a conflict management system in the intensive care unit of a multidisciplinary hospital using LEAN technologies: a pilot study.
Authors:   City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after. N. I. Pirogov, Khayrullin I.I. , Protsenko D.N. ,   Russian National Research Medical University named after. N. I. Pirogov»,   Moscow Multidisciplinary Clinical Center “Kommunarka”, Magomedov M.A. ,   City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after. N. I. Pirogov, Sazanovich A.N. ,   Moscow Metropolitan Governance Yury Luzhkov University, or MMGU as an official abbreviated name, Komolova O.A. ,   Moscow Metropolitan Governance Yury Luzhkov University, or MMGU as an official abbreviated name, Grishina L.A. ,   City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after. N. I. Pirogov, Kolerova I.V. ,   City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after. N. I. Pirogov, Masolitin S.V. ,   City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after. N. I. Pirogov
Published: September 2024

Objective: to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a conflict management system using the example of the intensive care unit of a multidisciplinary hospital Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after. N. I. Pirogov, resuscitation and intensive care units in 2023. The study included 74 department employees‑42 medical (34 male (80.9%) and 8 female (19.1%), and 47 nursing staff: 12 male (25.3%) and 35 female (74.5%). In order to identify the presence of conflict situations (incidents), their causes and factors provoking them, questionnaires were developed: questionnaire 1—initial assessment (input) and questionnaire 2—assessment of the results of the proposed conflict management model. analysis of operational activities, a Gantt chart was drawn up for medical and paramedical personnel, a comparative and statistical analysis of the results was performed and an algorithm for making management decisions was developed. Results. A tool for identifying conflict situations in a universal electronic form has been created. According to the survey results: conflicts do occur, they are regular, and the participants in the conflicts are department employees. The main cause of conflicts is the conditions of daily operating activities and non-compliance with ethical and deontological standards. Losses in the provision of medical care were identified and assessed: defects in the provision of medical care (defects); waiting is the time before the provision of medical services; untapped potential of employees; transport losses. An algorithm for managing conflicts and preventing future incidents has been developed and implemented. Conclusions. The study demonstrated the need for clear organization of operational activities; formation of protocols for improving professional competencies; formation of a motivational system; creation of an information analytical system for control and monitoring of current processes.
On the issue of public and population health.
Authors:   National Association of Healthcare Managers, Muslimov M. I. , Gureev S. A. ,   Biomedical University of Innovation and Continuing Education of the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation – A. I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Mingazova E. N. ,   Biomedical University of Innovation and Continuing Education of the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation – A. I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia
Published: September 2024

In modern domestic scientific literature, various terms are used to define population health, often used as synonyms: “public health”, “population health”, “society health”, “social health” and others. Domestic sources note that public health reflects the qualitative property of society or the state of people, emphasizing the aspect of public health as an indicator of the viability of the country. Public health, considered as the medical, social and economic development potential of the country and society, is influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle of the population, and ensures an optimal level of quality and safety of life for the population. Foreign researchers are looking at population health from a variety of perspectives, including analysis of income inequality, social capital, macroeconomic determinants, information systems, health promotion, global burden of disease, physical activity, structural racism, etc. Since 2019. Population health issues are currently receiving unprecedented attention in many countries, with a sharp increase in research in this area during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Currently, the global health system is developing approaches that combine population and public health issues into a single discipline. With the emergence of a new generation of scientists, proposals are being made to focus efforts on coherence of ideas, values and priorities of a single discipline, identifying problems and opportunities for the development of a more unified field of health care.
Revealing Effective Strategies for Arabic Language Learning Implementation
Authors: Anwar Najih , Rakhmaniah Nur azizahtur
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the implementation of Ta'alam al-'Arabiyyah Ma'ana volume 1 in Arabic language learning at Madrasatul Alsun Sidoarjo. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, data were gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation. The analysis reveals three stages of implementation: lesson planning, learning execution, and evaluation. Factors facilitating implementation include competent teachers, discipline, and adequate resources, while barriers include student distractions and environmental noise. Solutions proposed to address these barriers include verbal cues to refocus students and environmental adjustments. This research contributes insights for educators and policymakers to enhance Arabic language learning experiences in similar educational settings.
Highligh:

Detailed analysis of implementation stages.
Identification of facilitating and inhibiting factors.
Practical solutions to overcome implementation challenges.

Keywoard: Arabic language learning, Ta'alam al-'Arabiyyah Ma'ana, Madrasatul Alsun Sidoarjo, Implementation, Qualitative research
The Role Of BUMDES In the Economic Empowerment Of Village Communities
Authors: Idriyanti Meri , Agustina Isna Fitria
Published: September 2024

This qualitative study investigates the role of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in fostering economic empowerment within Ketapang Village, Tanggulangin District, Sidoarjo Regency. Utilizing interviews, observation, and documentation, the research explores the BUMDes' impact on building and developing the economic potential of the local community. Findings suggest that BUMDes play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life and societal well-being, strengthening the local economy, and contributing to national economic resilience. However, challenges persist, notably the limited community involvement in decision-making, budgeting, and program evaluation. The study underscores the need for enhanced community engagement to maximize the effectiveness of BUMDes initiatives.
Highlight :

Role of BUMDes: Examines the pivotal role played by Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in fostering economic development and empowerment within rural communities.

Community Engagement Challenges: Highlights the impediment of limited community participation in decision-making, budgeting, and program evaluation, hindering the success of BUMDes initiatives.

Economic Impact: Demonstrates how BUMDes contribute to strengthening the local economy, enhancing the quality of life, and playing a crucial role in the resilience of the national economy

Keywords: BUMDes, Economic Empowerment, Community Development, Rural Enterprises, Stakeholder Engagement
Collaboration as a Village Self-Reliance Ecosystem
Authors: Insan Muhammad Khoirul , Agustina Isna Fitria
Published: September 2024

This study aims to analyze the process of collaboration between the village government, community, and interest groups in achieving village self-reliance programs in Ketapang Village, Indonesia. Using descriptive analysis qualitative research, the study employed purposive sampling to select the village head and village secretary as informants. Data collection techniques included observation and interviews, and data analysis followed Miles and Hubermen's theory of data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The study used Collaborative Governance theory from Ansell and Gash to measure the questions in the indicators. The results showed that the collaboration between actors was successful, resulting in the construction of the Kalifor tourism village icon as a UMKM development area. The program had a positive impact on economic and social resilience in Ketapang Village. The study highlights the importance of collaborative governance in achieving village self-reliance programs and provides insights for policymakers and practitioners in Indonesia and beyond
Highlight :

Collaborative Governance: The study used Collaborative Governance theory from Ansell and Gash to measure the success of the collaboration between actors in Ketapang Village.
Village Self-Reliance: The study aimed to analyze the process of collaboration between the village government, community, and interest groups in achieving village self-reliance programs in Ketapang Village.
Economic and Social Resilience: The program had a positive impact on economic and social resilience in Ketapang Village, highlighting the importance of collaborative governance in achieving village self-reliance programs.

Keywords: Collaborative Governance, Village Self-Reliance, Ketapang Village, Indonesia, Economic and Social Resilience
Impact of Kadarzi Program on Stunting Reduction
Authors: Rahayu Linda , Riyadh Ahmad
Published: September 2024

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the nutrition-aware family program (kadarzi) in addressing stunting in Payan Hamlet, Pabean Village, Sedati District, Sidoarjo Regency, Indonesia. The research utilized a descriptive qualitative approach, incorporating observation, interviews, and both primary and secondary data. The authors employed purposive sampling and the data analysis model of Miles and Huberman, focusing on data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The study's goal was to evaluate the program's impact based on the effectiveness theory proposed by Sutrisno (2017), which includes five indicators: target accuracy, program understanding, timeliness, goal achievement, and real change. The results indicate that while the program demonstrated success in some areas, improvements are needed in terms of program understanding. The implications of this study provide valuable insights for the ongoing global efforts to combat stunting and improve child nutrition.
Highlight :

The study utilized a descriptive qualitative approach, incorporating observation, interviews, and both primary and secondary data.
The research employed purposive sampling and the data analysis model of Miles and Huberman, focusing on data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions.
The study aimed to evaluate the program's impact based on the effectiveness theory proposed by Sutrisno (2017), which includes five indicators: target accuracy, program understanding, timeliness, goal achievement, and real change.

Keywords: Kadarzi program, stunting, nutrition, Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Investigating Community Problems Inside Indonesian National Parks: From Overview to Case Study at Sukamade Geoforest Coastal Area
Authors: Octastefani Theresia , Wang Hurng-Jyuhn
Published: September 2024

This study explores the challenges encountered by residents within Indonesian national parks, focusing specifically on the local communities in the Sukamade Geoforest Coastal area of Meru Betiri National Park. Despite the recognized need for regional government and community involvement in park management, this research identifies a significant gap in effective community empowerment and management practices. Employing qualitative descriptive methods, including observations, interviews, and literature reviews, the study analyzes data using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana interactive method, which includes data condensation, display, and verification. The findings reveal multifaceted issues faced by the Sukamade community, ranging from administrative and legal challenges to socio-cultural and environmental awareness problems. These results underline the necessity of integrating local communities into national park management to enhance environmental conservation efforts and community welfare, suggesting a reevaluation of current governance frameworks to address these complexities.
Highlights:

Lack of community empowerment hampers park management.
Challenges include administrative, legal, socio-cultural, and environmental issues.
Integrated management involving local communities is vital.

Keywords: Indonesian National Parks, Community Involvement, Challenges, Multifaceted Issues
Transforming Waste Management in Rural Indonesia
Authors: Mustafia Ainun , Sukmana Hendra
Published: September 2024

This study examines the role of the Sruni Village Government in waste management in Gedangan District. Despite efforts to improve waste management, challenges persist due to a lack of community understanding. The government has introduced facilities like a waste bank to reduce careless waste disposal. Using a qualitative descriptive method with purposive sampling, the research identifies four roles: stabilizer (implementing environmental programs), innovator (lacking in providing training), modernizer (establishing a waste bank), and pioneer (promoting independent waste sorting). Key challenges include community reluctance to segregate waste and inadequate waste collection facilities. The study underscores the need for better education and infrastructure to enhance waste management practices.
Highlights:

Government Roles: Stabilizer, innovator, modernizer, and pioneer in waste management.
Challenges: Community reluctance and inadequate waste facilities.
Solutions: Enhanced education and infrastructure for better waste management.

Keywords: Waste management, Village government, Community engagement, Environmental policy, Sruni Village
Bridging the Digital Divide to Improve Village Governance for Global Efficiency
Authors: Khoiroh Mazroul , Fitria Agustina Isna
Published: September 2024

This study analyzes the performance of village officials in Glagaharum Village's administrative services using a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation, and analyzed using Miles and Huberman's techniques. Evaluated through T. R. Mitchell's indicators—Work Quality, Communication, Timeliness, Ability, and Initiative—the findings reveal that while technical guidance improves service quality, communication and technological challenges persist. Many officials lack technological skills, affecting service timeliness and initiative. The study highlights the need for targeted training to enhance officials' technological proficiency and improve overall service delivery.
Highlights:

Targeted Training: Improve officials' technological skills.
Communication Struggles: Address difficulties with online services.
Timeliness Concerns: Online service issues hinder punctuality.

Keywords: Village administration, performance evaluation, qualitative research, service delivery, technological skills
Arxitektura Yodgorliklarida Tasviriy Va Amaliy San’atni Qo‘Llanilishining Hududiy Xususiyatlari O‘Rganishni Takomillashtirishning Pedagogik Talablari
Authors: Shodiyeva Sadoqat Boboqulovna
Published: September 2024

Ushbu maqolada arxitektura yodgorliklarida tasviriy va amaliy san’atni qo‘llanilishining hududiy xususiyatlari o‘rganishni takomillashtirishning pedagogik talablari keng yoritilgan.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Financial Management of Accounting Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic (Case Study on Accounting Students at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta)
Authors: SHOLIKHAH ERVINA DENTA MAR'ATU , Arian Kurnia Rina
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to examine the effect of mental accounting, lifestyle hedonisme, socio-economic status of family, gender, and fintech payment on the financial management of accounting students at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta. The analysis used in multiple regression analysis bu using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) 21 version. The results of this study indicated that the mental accounting, lifestyle hedonisme, socio-economic status of family, and fintech payment had a positive and significant effect on the financial management og accounting students. While the variables gender didn’t have a positive and significant affect on the financial management og accounting students.
Michel Foucault on the «Anthropological Circle»
Authors:   Glinka Nizhny Novgorod Conservatoire, Dorozhkin Egor
Published: September 2024

Long before criticism of anthropocentrism became commonplace in the early twenty-first century, Michel Foucault was asking questions about the origins and cultural conditions of human self-referentiality. In his writings of the 1960s, this theme proved to be one of the key, if not the main one. Exploring the history of the emergence of insanity as a subject of psychiatric knowledge, mental illness, and then studying the change from the episteme of classical rationalism of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to the modern one, Foucault discovered what he called the "anthropological circle". This is the situation in the history of thought when man became the object of positive knowledge, when his mental life became objectified, resulting in the formation of modern anthropocentrism. Man finds himself at the center of modernity not as a godlike Renaissance titan at the center of the cosmos, but as a finite human being who acts as a condition for the production of modern types of knowledge, including knowledge about himself. However, the more concrete and cognizable this man becomes, the more his essence slips, according to Foucault, into the realm of the unthinkable.
The Anthropological Dimension of the Pygmalion Effect
Authors:   Privolzhskiy Research Medical University, Tarasov Aleksey
Published: September 2024

The "Pygmalion effect" applies to humans. It is a phenomenon in which their own expectations of themselves or what other people expect from them can influence their behavior and performance. Moreover, this works even at the most basic, primitive physiological level — in an enriched environment, the brain becomes larger in volume, and the density of its nervous tissue increases, while provoking severe stress or depleted conditions reduce the number of nerve cells in the brain. People in the USSR had absolute confidence that in the end good would win (the Pygmalion effect or placebo in the language of medicine), while from the 1990s to the present day, inclusive, the opposite attitude (program) totally prevails in Russia — evil will still prevail (the Golem effect or nocebo in the language of medicine). The proof of the Pygmalion effect in Soviet times is modal personalities — those who realized all the best of their (Soviet) era. There are countless of such examples in Soviet times. One of the most prominent of them in the philosophical environment was Professor V.A. Kutyrev. Anyone could become an academician, philosopher, engineer, officer or cosmonaut, etc. It was the Pygmalion effect in action.
Political Targeting of Psychological Intergroup Interventions Promoting Social Equality
Authors: Nir Nimrod , Halperin Eran
Published: September 2024

In the field of intergroup conflict reconciliation, the relationship between psychological interventions and diverse political ideologies is often overlooked. The current work presents an innovative framework targeting individuals from different ideological backgrounds with effective interventions to promote social equality in real-world settings. In the first phase, we conducted an intervention tournament among 2,241 Jewish Israelis with varying political orientations. We found that conservatives showed the highest support for social equality after a corrective meta-perception intervention, centrists responded best to a social norms intervention, and liberals exhibited the strongest support after a malleability intervention. The second study involved a field experiment using A/B testing on social media to extend and replicate these findings. The results confirmed our hypotheses and demonstrated the potential of combining social psychology principles with contemporary marketing tools to enhance the effectiveness and real-world relevance of socio-psychological interventions.
Transcatheter closure with Eccentric Occluder for Intracristal Ventricular Septal Defect: A Safety and Efficacy Assessment
Authors: Xia Tianhe , Chen Nuo , Han Yu , Zhang Songyue , Rong Xing , Wu Rongzhou
Published: September 2024

Background Intracristal ventricular septal defect (icVSD) pose unique challenges in interventional cardiology. This study evaluated the use of eccentric occluders in icVSD treatment compared with that of standard symmetrical occluders for perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD), aiming to inform clinical practice.Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the use of eccentric occluders for treating icVSD compared to the use of standard symmetrical occluders for treating pmVSD, with a focus on the success rate, cardiac function, complications, and quality of life.Materials and methods We conducted a comparative analysis of 39 patients with icVSD treated with eccentric occluders and 416 patients with pmVSD treated with symmetrical occluders. A comprehensive assessment of cardiac function recovery, complication occurrence, and changes in quality of life was performed during the intermediate and short-term follow-up periods.Results Of the 39 patients with icVSD, 38 successfully underwent occluder implantation, achieving a surgical success rate of 97.4%. Among the 416 patients with pmVSD, 413 achieved successful occluder implantation, yielding a surgical success rate of 99.3%. No statistically significant difference was observed in the success rates between the two groups. During the follow-up, both patient cohorts demonstrated notable improvements in cardiac function, the absence of severe complications, and improvements in quality of life. These findings underscore the feasibility and superiority of eccentric occluders in transcatheter closure of icVSD.Conclusions Our study demonstrated the high safety and efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter closure using eccentric occluders for treating icVSD. This investigation not only enhances our understanding of transcatheter closure options for icVSD patients but also provides clinicians with robust scientific evidence to guide treatment strategies. Ultimately, this approach may offer patients with icVSD a broadened range of therapeutic options and improved clinical outcomes.
Development and Comparison of Garments with Textile Electrodes Versus Hydrogel Electrodes in a Randomized Crossover Trial: Comfort, Consistency, and Efficiency
Authors: Jafari Ehsan , Descollonges Maël , Deley Gaëlle , Popović-Maneski Lana , Metani Amine
Published: September 2024

Objective
The efficacy and comfort of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) largely depend on the type of electrodes used. Traditional self-adhesive hydrogel electrodes, while effective, pose limitations in terms of wearability, skin compatibility, and reusability. This randomized crossover trial investigates the performance of textile electrodes integrated into garments for NMES of lower extremities, focusing on their potential rehabilitative applications for patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods
In this randomized crossover design, ten healthy subjects participated in the study. Each subject performed isometric knee extension exercises using both textile and hydrogel electrodes in random order. We compared the electrodes in terms of comfort, temporal consistency, stimulation efficiency, and electrical impedance under isometric conditions.
Results
Our findings revealed no significant difference between the two types of electrodes across all evaluated parameters. Textile electrodes, used after applying moisturizing lotion to enhance the electrode-skin interface, demonstrated comparable levels of comfort, consistency, and efficiency to hydrogel electrodes.
Conclusion
The equivalence of textile and hydrogel electrodes, coupled with the advantages of washability and reusability, positions textile electrodes as a promising alternative for NMES applications, particularly in rehabilitation settings.
LncRNA01103/FGF13 axis promotes the progression of bone cancer pain by remodeling ac4C modification
Authors: Xu Longsheng , Chen Liping , Ni Chaobo , Yang Lei , Zhang Shuyao , Lu Dashan , Wang Yahui , Yue Jiayu , Hua Bohan , Gao Wenbo , Ni Huadong , Zhou Qinghe , Yao Ming
Published: September 2024

Bone cancer pain (BCP) significantly impacts patients' quality of life, yet its causes and mechanisms remain unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained attention for their regulatory role in disease processes. Through analysis and validating of acRIP-seq data from our previous study, we discovered that lncRNA01103 undergoes N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification and increased expression in the SDH of BCP rats. Interestingly, ac4C modification influences the stability of lncRNA01103, impacting its expression levels. Further experiments revealed that lncRNA01103 is localized in SDH neurons and translocated towards the nucleus in BCP rats. Knockdown of lncRNA01103 reversed BCP, spinal c-fos neuron sensitization, and pain-related negative behaviors. Transcriptomic analysis identified FGF13 as a key target of lncRNA01103 in the neuronal nucleus, with FGF13 inhibition alleviating BCP and downregulating Nav1.7 sodium channel expression in SDH of BCP rats. Validation of lncRNA01103's role in regulating FGF13 expression and pain behaviors was confirmed through lncRNA01103-ASO sequence. This study highlights the role of NAT10/ac4C-mediated posttranscriptional modulation of lncRNA01103 in activating the FGF13-Nav1.7 signaling pathway and inducing hypersensitivity in BCP rats. Targeting the ac4C modification of lncRNA01103 could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for BCP.
A novel approach of mapping snow disaster-prone areas based on areal disaster density optimization: a case study of South Korea.
Authors: Ahmad Waqas , Lee Jinwook , Kim Dongkyun
Published: September 2024

Snow disasters, exacerbated by climate change, present significant challenges to infrastructure and economies worldwide, yet precise identification of vulnerable areas remains difficult. This study introduces a novel approach for assessing snow disaster vulnerability, namely the Maximum Disaster Spatial Density (MDSD) method. The MDSD method involves several key steps: first, it classifies the study area using the K-means clustering algorithm based on eight key features assigned to 1 km grid cells encompassing South Korea. These features include the mean and standard deviation of precipitation, temperature, Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), elevation, and building counts. The optimization process then iteratively adjusts the weight factors assigned to each of the eight features while repeating the K-means clustering. The objective function of this optimization is to maximize the areal density of disasters within the selected number of top clusters. By optimizing the spatial clustering in this manner, the MDSD method achieves high reliability and objectivity, ensuring accurate identification of areas most vulnerable to snow disasters. The results reveal that the eastern coastline, the belt area extending from the central-west coast toward the mid-inland, and Jeju Island are particularly vulnerable to snow disasters. The analysis shows that clusters with higher average and standard deviation of precipitation and temperature are more prone to snow disasters. Notably, the highest snow disaster vulnerability is found in regions where winter precipitation exceeds 69 mm, regardless of temperature, and where snow cover persists longer, as indicated by higher NDSI values. Furthermore, the relative importance of features indicates that precipitation and temperature are the most critical factors, followed by NDSI, while elevation and building counts have a lesser impact. The discussion highlights the merit of the MDSD method in defining target management areas based on disaster management objectives, whether focusing on highly dangerous zones or encompassing broader regions, thus offering flexibility in disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Astrocyte-Derived MMP-9 is a Key Mediator of PRV Penetration of the Blood-Brain Barrier and Tight Junction Disruption
Authors: Zhang Ying , Song Chunlian , Zhang Ying , Shu Xianghua , Wu Yi , Cui Kesi , Zhang Xue , Sun Yalong , Shen Hong , Wei Qianfei , Li Jianqin
Published: September 2024

The pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly neurotropic zoonotic pathogen. PRV infection can lead to neuroinflammation and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression has a detrimental impairs BBB function. However, the source of elevated MMP-9 expression and function of MMP-9 in PRV invasion of the central nervous system (CNS), and the mechanism by which PRV breaches the BBB, remain poorly understood. This study explored the role of MMP-9 in the permeation of the BBB by PRV and clarified the molecular pathways involved in PRV invasion. In PRV-infected mice, severe neurological symptoms, perivascular cuffing, and an increase in the separation of membranes at the tight junctions were observed via electron microscopy. These results indicated that PRV infection destroys the BBB. Simultaneously, we discovered that the breakdown of the BBB that occurs in viral encephalopathy induced by PRV infection was attributable to the degradation of collagen IV mediated by MMP-9. Furthermore, we determined that astrocytes contributed to the increased levels of MMP-9. Using an in vitro double-layer Transwell BBB model, we found that PRV invades the CNS through a para-cellular pathway, triggering an "inflammatory storm.” These findings highlight the pivotal role of MMP-9 in PRV penetration of the BBB, enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying BBB disruption caused by PRV infection, and highlight potential targets for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies against PRV infection.
“Our children are the forgotten children”: Experiences of COVID-19 asymptomatic testing in young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and those who care for them
Authors: Harragan Aimee , Thorpe Lisa , Amlôt Richard , Carter Holly , Robin Charlotte
Published: September 2024

Background The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt disproportionately by people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a substantially higher mortality rate compared with the general population.Method Using focus groups and thematic analysis with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) this study highlights the negative experiences of COVID-19 asymptomatic testing for this community.Results Participants reported a systemic misunderstanding of SEND needs underpinned experiences of disempowerment, being overlooked, and feeling that needs had been unmet during the pandemic. This sits in contrast with the considerable expertise that parents and families exhibit in understanding the needs of their children with SEND. We propose the following recommendations based on insights gathered from those with lived experience: harnessing these insights in future public health response measures, using robust behavioural and social science approaches; acknowledgment of participant expertise of experience through co-produced public health guidance, crucially reflecting the diversity of SEND; development of more inclusive guidance to testing practice which supports equitable access for those with SEND and guides face-to-face practitioners in providing this support.Conclusions Our findings have implications which highlight the importance of embracing behavioural and social science in understanding the needs of SEND communities and public health policy development to ensure equity.
Social media response to the introduction of the swallowable gastric balloon treatment for severe obesity in the NHS: A snapshot of public opinion
Authors: Cromwell Paul , Gopalan Vignesh , Hall Zoe , Lock Kirsty , Welbourn Richard
Published: September 2024

Background:
Swallowable gastric balloons are available in the UK to treat severe obesity. Our hospital introduced this treatment in 2023, the first to do so in the National Health Service (NHS). The event was featured by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on regional television and online by numerous news outlets in February 2024. Obesity and the treatment of obesity are often subject to stigma, prejudice and bias. The event gave an opportunity to observe and analyze public opinion in response to a new NHS-funded obesity treatment.
Methods:
Qualitative review of public comments made to articles about the introduction of swallowable gastric balloon therapy in the NHS. Comments were categorized as positive, neutral, or negative.
Results:
Out of 2364 comments reviewed from all sources, 16.6% were positive, 48.9% were neutral and 34.8% were negative. Obesity stigma was highly prevalent in the responses and included many derogatory and abusive comments, including towards the patients featured in the BBC articles.
Conclusions:
Obesity stigma is highly prevalent in those responding by social media and on news websites to a new treatment within the NHS. Negative stereotypes may be a barrier to obesity treatment within the NHS and need to be addressed.
Diethyl ether extract of Senna siamea Lam. (Fabaceae) exhibits antiplasmodial polypharmacology activity via inhibition of DOXP reductoisomerase, reverse overexpression of pbEMPI, hepatolipodystrophy, and hepatic portal inflammatory genes
Authors: MacDonald Idu , Abbas Waziri , Adedokun Oluwasegun , Benjamin Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Senna siamea/Cassia siamea (SS) has been used by the locals for the management of malaria over the years. The aim of the research is to experimentally justify the usage of different extracts of Senna siamea in the treatment of malaria using both in vitro and in vivo models and unveiling the probable mechanism of action. Aqueous extract of SS (AQ) was observed to possess a weak antiplasmodial activity due to 10.20 ± 2.52% and 1.44 ± 0.52% suppression and curation, respectively. Upon subjection to confirmatory bioassay, diethyl ether (DeE) extract showed IC50 of 0.0650 ± 0.01, which is significantly different from 0.8838 ± 0.01 observed in the chloroquine treated group (CqN). About100 mg/kg of DeE also significantly suppresses the expression of the Pb-EMPI gene of Plasmodium berghei (post-treatment), relative to the untreated group (UNT), CqN methanol-treated group (MeE). Also, 100 mg/kg of DeE also showed reversed hepatic lipodystrophy by down-regulating FAS, HMG CoA reductase, and Acetyl CoA carboxylase genes relative to overexpressions observed in UnT, CqN, and MeE treated groups. Inhibition of overexpression of 1L-1b, TNF-G, and 1L-10 hepatic portal tract inflammation genes was noted in 100 mg/kg of DeE when compared with UnT,CqN, and MeE extract of SS. GC-MS of bioactive DeE showed that squalene was the main constituent. Bioactive constituents are suggested to be non-polar in nature and they also exhibit antiplasomodial polypharmacology potential, while squalene was also suggested to be abundant in the non-polar extract.
Cadmium bioremediation from cocoa with Bacillus xiamenensis Luk70 in post-harvesting, a technological and economic challenge to achieve
Authors: Millan Duvan Albeiro , Díaz Andrés , Paz Amaury Blanco , Rodríguez-López Claudia M. , Cortés Diana , Gómez Francisco J. , Chica María José , Bautista Eddy J
Published: September 2024

Cadmium (Cd) levels in chocolate are a significant concern due to the toxic nature of this trace metal. This study presents a bioremediation treatment using Bacillus xiamenensis Luk70´s biomass in the post-harvesting process. The effect of the percentage of fermented beans, treatment time, nib pH, and concentration of bacteria applied to the reduction of Cd concentration was also studied, in addition to a cost analysis of pilot-scale bacteria production. Luk70 biomass with a 1:1 vegetative cell spore ratio applied to fermented cocoa beans at 90% can reduce nib Cd concentrations by a factor of 1.45 or 1.77, which to the best of our knowledge are the highest reductions in nib Cd concentration reductions reported to date without affecting the chocolate quality. The cost of producing Luk70 is estimated to be USD 0.56 per kg of wet cocoa beans, representing 14.4% of the current average price of Colombia´s wet cocoa beans. Although there are potential biosolutions for removing cadmium from cocoa, the economic costs and impact on the cocoa chain and producers must be considered.
Random Shared Local Dominator Guided Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Song Gongwei , Cao Hao , Zhang Lang , Teng Shengbo , Gui Lianfeng , Zhai Xiongfeng
Published: September 2024

Guiding exemplar selection plays a crucial role in assisting particle swarm optimization (PSO) to gain satisfactory performance. To improve the effectiveness in helping PSO solve complex optimization problems with high effectiveness and efficiency deteriorates due to serious diversity loss, this paper devises a random shared local dominator guided scheme (RSLDG) for PSO, leading to a simple yet effective PSO variant named RSLDG-PSO. In contrast to existing studies, where each particle can only follow the guidance of the best position within its local area, RSLDG-PSO first randomly partitions the whole swarm into several sub-swarms and then identifies the best position of each sub-swarm. Then, all these local best positions are collected together to form a shared pool for all particles to learn. Subsequently, for each particle, a random local best position is chosen stochastically from the pool, along with its own historical experience, to guide its learning. In this way, highly diverse yet considerably promising exemplars are provided to update the swarm. Furthermore, to alleviate the sensitivity of RSLDG-PSO to parameters, this paper first devises an adaptive adjustment strategy for the sub-swarm size, and a dynamic strategy for adjusting the two coefficients. With the above schemes, RSLDG-PSO expectedly maintains a good dynamic balance between search diversity and search convergence to traverse complex solution space.
The impact of low back pain on life and work of ICU nurses in China: a hermeneutic phenomenological study
Authors: Xin Chen , Wei Lili , Guo Xiaojing , Gai Yubiao , Han binru
Published: September 2024

Introduction: In China, due to the large population base, shortage of medical staff, aging population and other reasons, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses are required to work high intensity and long hours, coupled with constant incorrect posture, resulting in a particularly high prevalence of low back pain (LBP). Aim: The aim of this study was to further explore the impact of LBP on the work and life of ICU nurses through a qualitative research method. Methods: This study uses an interpretive phenomenological approach. Fifteen ICU nurses with LBP symptoms from a tertiary hospital in Qingdao, China, were recruited as study subjects. From January to April 2024, data was collected through in-depth interviews in the form of online one-on-one audio, which was then converted into text. Colaizzi's phenomenological approach was used for data analysis. Results: The impact of LBP on ICU nurse work includes 4 themes:1)impaired efficiency and motivation of work, 2)negative emotions: anxiety, fear, and feelings of guilt, 3)turnover intention, 4)presenteeism. The impact of LBP on ICU nurse life includes 3 themes: 1)limitations to daily life, 2)imiting exercise, social and leisure pursuits, 3)roles and problems of family caregivers. Conclusions: The high prevalence of LBP can lead to the loss of ICU nurses, and cause great trouble to their work and life. Effective measures should be taken to improve this phenomenon in the future. Implications for Clinical Practice: This study explored the impact of LBP on ICU nurses in China through qualitative interviews. It also pointed out the potential mechanism of the negative effects of low back pain on ICU nurses, which provided help for researchers to understand the phenomena of nurse turnover and presenteeism. Finally, this study hopes to arouse the attention of society and hospitals to the LBP of ICU nurses, so as to develop effective solutions.
Comprehensive investigation of the debris flow triggered by heavy rainfall in Xi’an, Shaanxi, on August 11, 2023
Authors: Liu Yinpeng , Chen Bo , Li Zhenhong , Song Chuang , Yu Chen , Zhou Pengxiang , Ma Jiahao , Zhang Chenglong , Chen Lili , Peng Jianbing
Published: September 2024

Amidst the ongoing global climate change, short-term heavy rainfall in local areas is occurring more frequently, exacerbating the risk of chain disasters caused by geohazards such as landslides and debris flows. On August 11, 2023, around 16:00, a large debris flow named Jiwozi occurred in the Haogou small watershed in the middle section of the Qinling Mountains, causing 27 deaths and a direct economic loss of about 15.6 million. To identify the triggering factors and the evolution process of the debris flow, this study carried out a comprehensive investigation using a variety of technical methods, including optical satellite remote sensing, spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), UAV, LiDAR, and field surveys. The study found that: 1) The Jiwozi debris flow is approximately 2.5 km in length, with a catchment area of about 1.2 km2. Jiwozi hydrological station recorded short-term heavy rainfall between 15:00 and 17:00 on 11 August, with a cumulative rainfall of 53 mm. Heavy rainfall provides sufficient hydrodynamic conditions to trigger the debris flow. 2) The loose deposits and fragmented rock mass in the Haogou gully provided the material source conditions for the Jiwozi debris flow. Preliminary calculations reveal that the slope erosion volume is 1.46×104 m3, and the total erosion volume of the debris flow is 15.3×104 m3; the ratio of slope erosion material transformed into debris flow is 3%. The flow velocity of the debris flow is approximately 3.5 m/s, and the corresponding downstream debris flow discharge can reach 103.3 m3/s. 3) A preliminary analysis indicates that the destabilization and evolutionary mechanism of the Jiwozi debris flow follows a pattern of ‘shallow sliding – shovelling – damming – breaching – shovelling – debris flow’. Studying the triggering mechanisms and dynamic processes of the Jiwozi debris flow contributes valuable insights for hazard assessment and early warning systems in mountainous gully areas, especially during the rainy season when there is continuous heavy rainfall.