bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Temporal Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks with Autoencoders for Enhanced Pipeline Leak Detection: A Novel Unsupervised Learning Detector
Authors: Wu Hengyu , Jiang Zhu , Zhang Xiang , Cheng Jian
Published: December 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have been widely applied to the automated detection of pipeline leaks. However, traditional AI methods still face significant challenges in effectively detecting the complete leak process. Furthermore, the deployment cost of such models has increased substantially due to the use of GPU-trained neural networks in recent years. In this study, we propose a novel leak detector, which includes a new model and a sequence labeling method that integrates priori knowledge with traditional reconstruction error theory. The proposed model combines the Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (KAN) with an Autoencoder (AE): First, a Temporal Kolmogorov-Arnold Network (TKAN) is employed to capture the complex temporal dependencies in the data, and then an Autoencoder is used to compress and reconstruct the input data, ultimately calculating the reconstruction loss. To improve leak detection, we developed a novel unsupervised anomaly sequence labeling method based on traditional reconstruction error theory, which incorporates an in-depth analysis of the reconstruction error curve along with prior knowledge. This method significantly enhances the interpretability and accuracy of the detection process. Field experiments were conducted on real urban water supply pipelines, and a benchmark dataset was established to evaluate the proposed model and method against commonly used models and method. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model and method achieved a high Segment-wise Precision of 93.1%. Overall, this study presents a transparent and robust solution for automated pipeline leak detection, facilitating the large-scale, cost-effective development of digital twin systems for urban pipeline leak emergency management.
Impact of Particular Stages of the Manufacturing Process on the Reliability of Flexible Printed Circuits
Authors: Kiernich Andrzej , Kalenik Jerzy , Stęplewski Wojciech , Kościelski Marek , Chołaj Aneta
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the experiment was to indicate which element of the production process of flexible Printed Circuit Board is optimum in terms of the reliability of final products. According to the Taguchi method in the experiment five factors, two levels each, were chosen for the subsequent analysis. These include: the number of conductive layers, the thickness of the laminate layer, type of the laminate, the diameter of the plated holes, the current density in the galvanic bath. The reliability of the PCBs in produced variations was verified using the Interconnect Stress Test environmental test. The qualitatively best variant of the board construction was indicated using the signal-to-noise ratio and analysis of variance method for each factor. The factors that turned out to be the most important in terms of reliability are the number of conductive layers and the current density in the galvanic bath. The optimal variant of the board construction is two conductive layers, on a polyimide laminate, where laminate layer is 100 μm thick, hole diameter equal to 0.4 mm and current density of 2 A/dm2 in the galvanic bath. Therefore the plated experiment indicated factors needed to obtain a high-quality product with a low failure rate.
Equine-Assisted-Psychotherapy in At-risk Youth Exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pereira-Figueiredo Inês , Akpınar Selçuk , Özcan Kürşat , Sancho-Sanchez Consuelo
Published: December 2024

Childhood abuse can have long-lasting consequences and be a risk for mental health. This review aimed to explore the recent studies on equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), which uses equines in therapy to help young people recover from adverse childhood experiences. Five relevant data-bases were utilized in the search of full-text articles published between January 2000 and August 2024 - addressing the incorporation of equines in therapeutic activities of young people (between 6 and 25 years old) who have experienced abuse, violence, or psychological trauma. The search excluded articles that lacked well-defined treatment programs or focused on physical treatments and limited the results to scholarly journals. The initial search yielded 537 articles, of which 27 were extracted. Following a detailed examination, 18 were excluded, leaving 9 works for further analysis. All authors agree that EAP holds much promise for youth with a history of trauma or abuse, however, a lack of methodological rigor was found across the publications collected, including inconsistencies in the concepts used; the variability in participants, designs, and settings of the programs; minimal use of randomization or control groups; and lack of reliability. The implications for future research are discussed, including the need to address discrepancies in the program’s descriptions and reporting outcomes.
Genetic Polymorphisms in Agouti Signaling Protein (ASIP) and Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) Genes and Their Association with Coat Color in Native Bulgarian Sheep Breeds
Authors: Dimov Doytcho , Kostova Milena , Vuchkov Atanas , Dimitrova Ivona , Kalaydgzhiev Georgi , Staykova Genoveva , Iliev Margarit , Bozhilova-Sakova Milena
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphisms in Agouti signaling protein (ASIP) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genes and their association with coat color in native Bulgarian sheep breeds. A total of 247 individuals belonging to 7 native sheep breeds from 38 herds were genotyped for the ASIP and MC1R genes. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were de-tected in the MC1R gene and three haplotypes representing MC1R ED and E+ alleles were identified among the studied sheep breeds. It was found that the dominant ED allele of MC1R is absent in the breeds - Patch-faced Maritza and Dubenska. The most common haplotype (h3) of the domi-nant ED allele was associated with either black or brown coat color in native Karnobatska, Kara-kachanska and Cupper-red Shumenska breeds, respectively. We can infer that haplotype 3 alleles could be a possible result that could interpret the mechanisms of black wool colour manifestation in the native Karnobatska sheep breed, which has formed the genetic pool of this sheep breed.
Predicting Passenger Car Prices with Machine Learning Models
Authors: Isaev Ruslan , Nuradilova Burmachach , Gimaletdinova Gulnaz
Published: December 2024

The car resale industry is broad and precise price forecast is essential for preventing customers from overpaying to resellers. Machine learning is currently the most effective forecasting tool, which is why three machine learning models—Random Forest, CatBoost Regressor, and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—were chosen to analyze car features such as model, mileage, and year, as well as additional attributes such as color, conditioner, and car body type extracted from car advertisement descriptions. The data for the prediction was collected from the website mashina.kg[1] using a web scraper implemented in the Python programming language. The performances of multiple models were then evaluated to determine which one best suited the available data set. As a result, the model CatBoost provides the most effective way for accurate car price predictions in Bishkek, with an accuracy of 86.05%, making it a helpful tool for both customers and financial institutions in making well-informed decisions regarding cars price.
Determinants of Brain Drain in 178 Countries from 2006 to 2022
Authors: Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , González-Gómez-del-Miño Paloma , Contreras-Barraza Nicolás
Published: December 2024

The brain drain phenomenon represents a significant challenge to global development, especially in developing countries. This study examines the determinants of brain drain in 178 countries between 2006 and 2022. Through a panel data analysis that integrates indicators of governance and state fragility, a multiple linear regression model is employed to assess the influence of socioeconomic and political variables on the migration of skilled personnel. The results identify six key variables: uneven economic development, quality of public services, external intervention, voice and accountability, rule of law and political stability. Among these, governance, particularly political stability and rule of law, emerges as a crucial factor for talent retention, while external interventions tend to exacerbate brain drain as an expression of instability. The study also highlights how the quality of public services can reduce emigration intentions, while economic inequalities drive migration to regions with better opportunities. With an adjusted R-squared above 70%, the proposed parsimonious model provides a robust framework for understanding the dynamics of brain drain in the global context. These findings are essential for designing effective public policies to mitigate talent emigration, promote economic equality and strengthen governance. Future research should focus on exploring regional and economic variations, with emphasis on the implementation of specific policies to counteract the adverse effects of this phenomenon.
ENHANCING BREAST MILK PRODUCTION THROUGH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSIC THERAPY: A STUDY IN TERMS OF FREQUENCY, TYPE, AND DURATION OF MUSIC
Authors: Putri Harlinda Widia , Putri Sartika Dwi Yolanda , Mumtazah Siti Ainawati , Sari Puja Maya , Sihotang Pasuria , Widyasari Esti , Sulistyaningsih Sulistyaningsih
Published: December 2024

Background: Music therapy is one of the non-pharmacological treatment methods used to increase milk production. Music stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin and endorphins, so that it can increase milk production. Considering the frequency, type and duration of music is indeed pivotal in music theraphy instead of the music intervention.

Purpose: to enhance breast milk production through the effectiveness of music therapy in terms of frequency, type,and duration of music.

Method: The PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) framework is used as the basic to formulate the research questions. Besides, the EBSCO, Wiley, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases are also used as the literature study. PRISMA Flowchart and critical appraisal are implemented in selecting the article.

Results: of the synthesis contained 5 articles that met the inclusion criteria. This review found that music therapy may be a method that can be used to increase relaxation and increase milk production.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of music therapy is maximum if mother plays their favourite music. The best music type for this therapy is a passive music that provided relax sensation through the lyrics and harmony such as the bounding between mother and her child.
HAND AND KNEE POSITION ON THE PROGRESS OF LABOR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE PHASE LABOR AT PMB SOESI HERAWATI KEPANJEN, MALANG DISTRICT
Authors: Oktaavia Dini Ria , Wulandari Endah Sri , Muktamaroh Faiqotul
Published: December 2024

Background: Abnormal labor patterns can occur during the active phase of labor, such as when cervical dilation takes longer than 6 hours, leading to prolonged labor, maternal and neonatal emergencies, or the need for a cesarean delivery. The hand-and-knee position can help rotate the fetus from a less ideal position (occipito-posterior) to a more favorable position (anterior), facilitating the baby's descent and speeding up cervical dilation.

Method: This study was conducted on 20 women in active labor at PMB Soesi Herawati Kepanjen. It compared two groups: those who used the hand-and-knee position and those who did not. A quasi-experimental design was used, with data collected using observation sheets and partographs, and analyzed with the Fisher's exact test in SPSS 25.0.

Result: The results showed a significant effect of the hand-and-knee position on labor progress during the active phase, with a p-value of 0.011 (α < 0.05). The hand-and-knee position helps create more space in the pelvic area, allowing the baby to move into an optimal position and speeding up cervical dilation.

Conclusion: The research concludes that the hand-and-knee position can help the fetus rotate into an ideal position, aiding cervical effacement and the descent of the fetal head, thus speeding up the active phase of labor. Midwives are encouraged to promote this position to mothers in labor, as it can facilitate cervical dilation and help the fetus descend deeper into the pelvis
The effects of Islamic financial literacy, lifestyle and self-control on intention to use online loans: an extended TAM approach
Authors: Khasanah Miftakhul , Aulia Nuraini Intan
Published: December 2024

This research aims to investigate the relationship between lifestyle, self-control, Islamic financial literacy, and intention to use online loans. This research uses quantitative research methods with an exploratory approach. The population in this study were Indonesian citizens aged 17 to 55 years. The number of samples used in this research was 403 respondents. The data collection technique used was distributing questionnaires via Google Form. The research results were analyzed using Smart PLS 3. Attitude is only able to mediate between lifestyle and intention to use online loans, but is not able to mediate the variables of Islamic financial literacy and self-control. However, attitude is the biggest variable that can influence the intention to use online loans. Meanwhile, the intention to use online loans is influenced by Islamic financial literacy, lifestyle, self-control and attitude by 79.9%. Meanwhile, 20.1% was influenced by other factors outside this research model.
Total Hip Replacement in a Patient with Erdheim-Chester's Disease
Authors: Mahajan Ramneek , Nashikkar Piyush , Khanna Varun
Published: December 2024

Case:

Erdheim-Chester's disease (ECD) is a rare multisystem disorder considered as a neoplasm of non–Langerhans cell histiocytes. We report a case of uncemented total hip arthroplasty in a 74-year-old patient with ECD for femoral neck fracture with pathological involvement of distal metaphysis and diaphysis. We reviewed the literature on bony involvement.

Conclusion:

Adequate osseointegration was achieved in our case; however, longer follow-up is essential. Vigilant reporting of bony involvement, such as pathological fractures, fracture healing, deformities, osteosynthesis, and outcome of joint replacement surgeries, is needed in ECD-like bone diseases.
Utilization of Health Management Information System and its Determinants Among Health Professionals Working at Public Health Facilities in Banadir Region, Somalia. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Osman Nor Haji , Abdi Abdiweli Mohamed , Mohamed Mohamed Abdelrahman , Ahmed Nur , Fiidow Osman Abubakar
Published: December 2024

Background
Health Information Management System (HMIS) is a system that permits for the gathering, storing, compiling, transmission, analysis, and usage of health data that support decision- makers and stakeholders in managing and planning resources at every level of health service. This study aimed to assess the utilization of health information management system and its determinants amongst healthcare professionals employed at public health facilities in Banadir Region, Somalia.
Methods
A cross-sectional research was carried out from March to June 2024 at public health care facilities in eight randomly selected districts of Banadir region. A total of 405 public healthcare professionals were chosen by using simple random sampling. The data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.
Results
The present study indicated a good level of health information utilization at 68.1%. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the type of facility (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.169–8.657), attending training on Health Information System (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.007–0.126), use of standard indicators (AOR = 0.188, 95% CI: 0.047–0.745), utilization of health information for decision-making (AOR = 14.954, 95% CI: 2.886–77.475), and health information analysis (AOR = 0.165, 95% CI: 0.029–0.926) were significantly associated with good health information utilization.
Conclusion
This study revealed that more than one-third of health care workers had poor health information utilization, therefore, providing health information system training for the staff, strengthening facility support, and empowering the healthcare system's decision-making ability in the Banadir region should be a priority.
Community Pharmacy Workforce Willingness, Readiness, and Infrastructural Capacity to Deliver Vaccination Services: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nigeria
Authors: Oladigbolu Adewale Aderemi , Okafor Ukamaka Gladys , Oluwaseyi Charles Oluwole , Ashore Omokhafe
Published: December 2024

Background
There is a growing need for community pharmacists to contribute to universal health coverage through vaccination services due to their being one of the most accessible healthcare professionals and low vaccination coverage. In some Nigerian states, community pharmacists were trained in vaccination, but there are concerns about their capacity to enroll as vaccination service providers. This study evaluated the community pharmacy workforce's willingness, readiness, and infrastructural capacity to deliver vaccination services in Nigeria.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using a self-administered structured questionnaire among community pharmacists in Nigeria through online platforms. Descriptive statistics was performed on the collected data using SPSS statistical software, version 21.
Results
Of the 414 community pharmacists sampled, 395(response rate = 95.4%) were retrieved and included in the final analysis. Although most community pharmacists did not currently practice vaccine administration in their pharmacies (n = 295, 74.9%), most were willing to start administering vaccines (n = 359, 91.3%), participate in routine and supplemental immunization services(n = 373, 95.4%), receive training related to vaccination (n = 374, 95.2%), and encourage patients to get vaccinated in their pharmacies (n = 367, 93.6%). Tetanus vaccine was the most common ( n = 158, 40%) among the vaccines administered by the respondents. Infrastructure was inadequate in many critical areas; vaccine-specific refrigerators(n = 222, 57.1%), temperature monitoring equipment (n = 263, 67.8%), safety boxes (n = 216, 55.7%), medical waste bins (n = 178, 45.8%), portable vaccine refrigerators in case of power failures(n = 218, 56.1%), anaphylaxis response kit (n = 340, 87.4%), and anaphylaxis management guidance (n = 346, 88.9%). Barriers to the pharmacists’ willingness to deliver vaccination services were inadequate funds to procure appropriate storage equipment (n = 269, 70.0%), inadequate training (n = 265, 69.1%), conflicts with other professionals (n = 246, 64.4%), concerns about patient safety (n = 185, 47.7%) and handling vaccines and disposal of sharps (n = 182, 47.4%).
Conclusions
Community pharmacists are willing to embrace the advanced role of vaccine administration. The government and other healthcare stakeholders should address the infrastructural gaps and other barriers highlighted in the study to help improve vaccine access and availability.
Assessing Quality of Health Care in the Context of Patient Satisfaction Among a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit
Authors: Akin Turkan
Published: December 2024

Health management consists of planning, organisation, leading and supervision of things to do in line with needs and demands aiming various health care provision and better living environment to both individuals and society. Direct relationships with human being lives is another speciality of health care. Providers that were rewarded for volume, are now increasingly being rewarded for quality and efficiency. Studying among quality of health care requires taking into consideration of heterogenicity, that means patients with similar diseases may need different health care utilities, may have different expectations and results of similar applications may also differ from each other. Therefore qualification valued health care includes patient satisfaction measurements, clinicians should take feedbacks from the recipients methodically. Rehabilitation Medicine which deals with impairments resulted from acquired diseases, accidents, traumas or congenital impairments has accelerating demand as elderly population and chronic problems increase as well. It is directly related with quality of life and achieving rehabilitation services. Qualified health care can be defined as providing the best possible outcomes, safety and service. Qualified patient care should be the first priority of every rehabilitation professional. Patient satisfaction is an important patient-centered health outcome. To help determine what constitutes quality and how health professionals should measure it this article discusses one of the patient satisfaction questionnaires as evidence based outcome measures. This study provides a data in terms of patient satisfaction correlating with expectations and utilities in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit of City Hospital in Balıkesir, Turkey.
Construction of novel Mn0.2Cd0.8S/Bi4O5Br2 Z-scheme heterojunction for highly efficient photocatalytic dye degradation
Authors: Zheng Nan , Gou Jialin , Lan Meng , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Yu , Liu Yujun , Du Jinpeng
Published: December 2024

Photocatalytic technology has received widespread attention as an effective means of treating organic pollutants in wastewater, but the development of effective and sustainable photocatalysts remains a serious challenge. In this study, a novel Mn0.2Cd0.8S (MCS)/Bi4O5Br2 (BOB) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully prepared by solvothermal method. The photocatalytic activity of the MCS/BOB heterojunction photocatalyst for degrading Rhodamine B (RhB) is significantly enhanced relative to Mn0.2Cd0.8S and Bi4O5Br2. When the molar content of Mn0.2Cd0.8S was 15% of Bi4O5Br2, the prepared 15% MCS/BOB had the best photocatalytic performance towards RhB with the degradation rate of 91.7% under 60 min of visible light irradiation. The apparent rate constant of 15% MCS/BOB is 10 and 7 times higher than that of Mn0.2Cd0.8S and Bi4O5Br2, respectively. The excellent photocatalytic performance is associated with the proper construction of Z-scheme heterojunction between Mn0.2Cd0.8S and Bi4O5Br2 that facilitate effective charge separation and excellent redox capacity. In addition, the heterojunction photocatalyst shows remarkable photocatalytic stability. This study constructs a novel and effective Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst and promotes the exploration of photocatalyst in the purification of organic wastewater.
Gyroscope-Based Activity Classification and Virtual Twin for Human Movement Analysis
Authors: Alvim Patrick , Silva Jonathan , Amorim Vicente , Lazaroni Pedro , Silva Mateus , Oliveira Ricardo
Published: December 2024

Simulating real-world activities in virtual environments with high fidelity is crucial for advancing training, simulation, and data analysis. This capability is particularly advantageous for complex, hazardous, or impractical tasks in real settings, as it enables extensive investigation without compromising safety or feasibility. This paper introduces a system for capturing and virtually simulating walking and running motions by utilizing gyroscope data to monitor the rotational dynamics of the lower limbs. Our approach provides an accurate recording of these movements, supporting a detailed biomechanical analysis. Our findings demonstrate that specialized sensors, as opposed to general-purpose devices like smartwatches, yield more precise, targeted data, thereby enhancing the quality of movement analysis.We also consider the potential of integrating multimodal data, such as combining motion sensors with image-based analysis for enhanced human activity recognition. Although not yet implemented, this integration offers a promising direction for future system improvements, aiming to increase the scope and precision of activity recognition in virtual environments. Our system lays foundational work for advanced human data capture devices, creating a link between the physical and virtual realms. This enables comprehensive studies of biomechanics with potential applications in fields like sports science and orthopedics.
Energy Efficient Routing Protocol in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Aliyu Aminu , Nordin Nor Adila , Aliyu Mansur
Published: December 2024

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have today become an integral part of our life. As they may be utilized in a wide range of application areas, including environmental monitoring, healthcare, industrial applications, football stadiums, military, civilian, and homeland security. However, the reliability of WSN communications faces significant problems in hostile and complicated situations. The longevity and energy consumption of a WSN has consequently emerged as challenging research areas. To conserve energy and lengthen the lifespan of the network, an energy efficient routing protocol EERP for wireless sensor network systems must be developed. A node's limited power supply presents a problem, as the node's battery cannot be changed. The lifespan of each sensor node has a significant impact on the lifetime of the WSN. The main issue in the field of WSN is an energy efficient routing mechanism. Hierarchical routing is one of the strategies being developed by researchers to improve the lifetime of WSNs. The suggested approach in this work can increase the lifespan of a WSN and decrease the energy consumption of sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose an energy efficient routing protocol (EERP) that can save energy in the sensor while the node is in sleep mode for wireless sensor networks (WSN). The method is sleep mode and active mode (flip) (flop). The simulation results show how the system's energy efficient routing protocol (EERP) improved battery energy performance in the network. The proposed routing method performance was significantly enhanced through a comparison experiment between it and the existing techniques. As a result, it was established that the technique suggested in the paper performed better than the existing method.
Diet during Pregnancy and Allergy Onset in the Childhood: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sholihah Lini Anisfatus , Cholilie Irvan Adhin , Sholikah Desty Muzarofatus , Utami Fista
Published: December 2024

The number of allergic diseases in children becomes more prevalent nowadays. Maternal diet, especially during pregnancy, is widely known can program offspring’s allergy. Our objective is to study the relationship between maternal diet during pregnancy and childhood’s allergy onset in human. We systematically search two databases (SCOPUS and PubMed). The evidence was critically appraised using Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) for case-control and cohort studies and Revised Cochrane risk of bias for cluster randomized trials (RoB2) tool for RCTs. We identified 41 papers, consisting of 37 prospective cohort studies, 1 case-control, and 3 RCTs. Meta-analyses suggest that maternal egg intake during pregnancy has a protective role on childhood eczema (OR:0.51; 95%CI: 0.32, 0.80) and food allergy (OR:0.60, 95% CI:0.38, 0.96), and vitamin D has a negative association with childhood rhinitis (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.97). Our meta-analyses do not support any association between maternal vitamin D intake on childhood asthma and fish oil supplementation on childhood hay fever and asthma. In conclusion, particular diet in pregnant woman may have positive roles for prevention of eczema, food allergy, and rhinitis among the offspring. Future RCTs are warranted to investigate the effect of other particular pregnancy diet on the outcome of children allergy.
Impact of Climate Change on the Productivity of Cropping Systems Using APSIM Agro-meteorological Model: A case of Wheat crop over the south central Ethiopia of Lemo District.
Authors: NIGUSSE ALEMGENA RETA , DANIEL: DAGNACHEW , YILMA NEBIYAT
Published: December 2024

In this article on climate change impact, we present model simulation results of wheat crop yield in the Lemo district Hadiya zone of Ethiopia through 2021-2100. The analysis draws on a single and most precise climate of daily rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures downwelling short wave radiation, and calculated PET (Potential Evapotranspiration) from the latest RCM in a CORDEX project. It was publicized in 2017 as a Can ESM2-AFR-0.220 horizontal for Tropical-Africa grid which is approximately 25 km by 25 km resolution. Then the agro meteorological crop model called APSIM was applied to estimate the effects on the yields of the wheat crop for the expected higher temperatures and, increased rainfall in the Lemo district of south-central Ethiopia. The simulation result suggests that climate change will likely have only relatively small effects on the annual average wheat yields in Lemo district up to 2080. Nevertheless, yields will indispensably decline over time by -36.5% - -63.5% at the end of the near term (2021 - 2050) and midterm (2051 - 2080) periods on RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios respectively. It will enable to increase of 11.5% – 25.6% at the end of the term (2081 - 2100) period on both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Still, even if future climate changes have only moderate impacts on average wheat yield in Lemo district, there is a rising signal that weather outcomes are likely to become more variable in the future, indicating that droughts and floods may have a greater impact on wheat cropping in the future than in the past.
Can Wearable Technology Help Guide Dieting Safety?
Authors: Tang Maya , Powell Joseph , Li Xiao
Published: December 2024

Background: The safety of dietary interventions is often unmonitored. Wearable technology can track elevations in resting heart rate (RHR), a marker of physiologic stress, which may provide safety information that is incremental to self-reported data.
Methods: A single subject was placed on an isocaloric diet for four weeks. In weeks # 1 and 4, timing of food consumption was unregulated. In week #2, food was consumed during a three-hour feeding window (one-meal-a-day, OMAD). During week #3, food was consumed at six intervals, spaced three hours apart (6-meal diet). A Fitbit Versa™ was worn continuously, and questionnaires were administered twice daily.
Results: Meal frequency did not affect the subject’s weight. Hunger scores from morning and night were widely split on OMAD and relatively constant on the 6-meal diet. Energy, happiness, irritability, and sleep scores were more favorable on the 6-meal diet than on OMAD. RHR extracted from the wearable device was lower during the 6-meal diet than during OMAD, especially in the late afternoon, evening, and nighttime (p<0.05). Lower RHR during the 6-meal diet corresponded to more favorable questionnaire scores.
Conclusions: Changes in RHR patterns acquired by wearable technology are promising indicators of physiologic stress during dietary interventions. Wearable technology can provide physiologic data that are complementary to questionnaire scores or timed manual measurements.
Clinical outcomes of the new oblique locking compression hip screw
Authors: Nakagawa Shota , Toyonaga Masato , Sawaguchi Takeshi , Matsushita Takashi
Published: December 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the newly developed oblique locking hip screw (OLHS) compared with those of the commonly used cephalomedullary nail (CMN) in trochanteric femoral fracture treatment in older patients.
Methods: This was single-center retrospective study of patients with trochanteric fractures. Overall, 129 patients were analyzed: 64 treated with OLHS and 65 with CMN. Patient demographic data, fracture classification, surgical parameters (e.g., operating time and intraoperative blood loss), and clinical outcomes were assessed. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated using radiographic findings and statistical analyses, including Fisher’s exact test and the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: The study included 57 patients in both the OLHS and CMN groups with 3 months of radiographic follow-up data. OLHS was more commonly used for stable AO A1 fractures, whereas CMN was preferred for unstable A2 fractures. The OLHS group showed slightly better outcomes in terms of reduced stability, with less frequent postoperative telescoping than the CMN group (4.8±4.3 mm for OLHS vs. 3.0±4.7 mm for CMN, p < 0.05). No significant differences in mortality, bone union rates, or adverse outcomes were observed between the two groups. However, two patients in the CMN group exhibited nonunion and one required conversion to total hip arthroplasty.
Conclusion: OLHS provides satisfactory clinical outcomes comparable to those of CMN for trochanteric fractures, with potential advantages in terms of stability and lack of observable negative outcomes. OLHS may serve as a viable option for treating various types of trochanteric fractures, including unstable fractures.
B-type D-branes in hybrid models
Authors: Knapp Johanna , Pryor Robert
Published: December 2024

A hybrid model is a fibration of a Landau-Ginzburg orbifold over a geometric base. We study B-type D-branes in hybrid models. Imposing B-type supersymmetry on the boundary action, we show that D-branes are specified by matrix factorisations in the fibre direction, together with some geometric data associated to the base. We also deduce conditions for the compatibility of these branes with the bulk orbifold actions and R-symmetry. We construct examples of hybrid B-branes which are generalisations of well-studied branes in geometric and Landau-Ginzburg models. Hybrid models can arise at limiting points of the stringy Kähler moduli space of Calabi-Yaus, and can be realised as phases of the corresponding gauged linear sigma models (GLSMs). Using GLSM techniques, we establish connections between geometric branes and hybrid branes. As explicit examples, we consider one- and two-parameter Calabi-Yau hybrids with a \mathbb{P}^1ℙ1-base.
Numerical simulations of inflationary dynamics: Slow roll and beyond
Authors: Bhatt Siddharth , Mishra Swagat Saurav , Basak Soumen , Sahoo Surya N.
Published: December 2024

Numerical simulations of the inflationary dynamics are presented here for a single canonical scalar field minimally coupled to gravity. We spell out the basic equations governing the inflationary dynamics in terms of cosmic time tt and define a set of dimensionless variables convenient for numerical analysis. We then provide a link to our simple numerical Python code on GitHub that can be used to simulate the background dynamics as well as the evolution of linear perturbations during inflation. The code computes both scalar and tensor power spectra for a given inflaton potential V(\phi)V(ϕ). We discuss a concrete algorithm to use the code for various purposes, especially for computing the enhanced scalar power spectrum in the context of Primordial Black Holes and scalar-induced Gravitational Waves. We also compare the efficiency of different variables used in the literature to compute the scalar fluctuations. We intend to extend the framework to simulate the dynamics of a number of different quantities, including the computation of scalar-induced second-order tensor power spectrum in the near future.
The mediating effect of digital financial inclusion on gender differences in digital financial literacy and financial well-being: Evidence from Malaysian households
Authors: Tan Tze-Lin , Lu Ming-Pey , Kosim Zunarni
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of digital financial inclusion on the relationship between digital financial literacy and the financial well-being of Malaysian households, focusing on gender differences. Using quantitative research, a total of 210 responses, which contained 105 samples for each gender, were collected from households across Malaysia using a self-administered questionnaire. The research model was analyzed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling techniques. The findings revealed significant relationships between digital financial literacy and digital financial inclusion, as well as between digital financial inclusion and financial well-being. Additionally, digital financial inclusion was found to significantly mediate the relationship between digital financial literacy and financial well-being, underscoring the importance of digital financial inclusion. The MICOM analysis results show that all constructs have good configural invariance, indicating the measures are consistent across groups. High correlations between males and females suggest similarities, but permutation tests indicate these similarities might be due to chance. Variance differences for digital financial literacy and digital financial inclusion are not significant. However, financial well-being shows a significant variance difference, suggesting less variability among males, supported by higher reliability scores for the financial well-being of males, indicating more consistent responses. Notably, the standardized beta for the digital financial inclusion – financial well-being path is higher among females, indicating a stronger influence of digital financial inclusion on financial well-being for this group. However, the direct relationship between digital financial literacy and financial well-being is insignificant for both genders.
AcknowledgmentThis research was supported by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) of Malaysia through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2022/SS01/UUM/02/10).
Possibilities of the EcoMedic digital platform in diagnostics functional disorders
Authors: Onopriev V. V. , Bolotova E. V. , Dudnikova A. V. , Batrakova L. V. , Abramenko A. G. , Gubareva D. A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Studying the influence of chemical sensitivity on functional disorders by means of digital diagnostic technologies is a significant medical and social problem.

Aim. To study the possibility of the EcoMedic digital platform in the diagnosis of functional disorders with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCH).

Materials and methods. Questionnaires were administered using the QEESI questionnaire to 468 outpatients undergoing preventive medical examination (232 men, mean age 34.2 ± 9.3 years and 236 women mean age 42.9 ± 13.8 years). Data were collected using the developed digital platform EcoMedic. Statistical processing was performed using MedCalc statistical programme.

Results. The frequency of MCH was 211 patients (45.1%). The most frequent complaints in MCH were gastrointestinal (n = 174, 82.4%); second were cognitive symptoms (n = 158, 75.1%); dall neurological (n = 149, 71.1%); musculoskeletal (n = 144, 68.5%); neuromuscular (n = 139, 66.4%); respiratory and mucosal (n = 130, 62.1%); cutaneous (n = 124, 59.1%); affective (n = 118, 56.4%). In MCH, symptom frequency across all 10 symptom groups was significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.0001). In MCH, the frequency of symptoms in all 10 groups of symptoms was significantly higher than in patients without MCH (p < 0.0001). The frequency of overlapping of 3 regions of the MCH scales simultaneously in the group of patients with MCH was higher than without MCH (60.2% vs 3.1%, χ2 = 186.065, p = 0.000). The proportion of people with thresholds for severity of symptoms or impact on daily life according to only one of the scales in the group of patients with HCV was significantly lower (9% vs 32.6%, χ2 = 37.853, p = 0.001).

Conclusions. The EcoMedic digital platform has prospects for scaling technologies to diagnose patients with HCV and conduct scientific and practical studies of functional symptoms.
Lung diseases in adult patients with primary immunodeficiencies with defects of antibody production according to real clinical practice
Authors: Kovtun О. P. , Beltyukov E. K. , Karakina M. L. , Naumova V. V. , Kalmatov R. K. , Azhimamatova R. , Ismailov I. D.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. The problem of lung diseases in patients with primary defects in antibody production has not been sufficiently studied, especially depending on the climatic, geographical and demographic conditions of real clinical practice.

Aim. To study the structure of lung disorders in adult patients with primary antibodies defects in the Middle Urals in real clinical practice.

Materials and methods. Register of adult patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PID) were created in 2013 in the Sverdlovsk region. Now it contains 209 people. The main group of the register is patients with primary antibodies defects (PAD, n = 143, 68.4%: agammaglobulinemia (AGG, n = 11, common variable immune deficiency (CVID, n = 37), PIK3-Kinase deficiency (n = 3), Selective IgA deficiency (SD IgA, n = 92). The diagnosis of PID was established on the criteria for the Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists and European Societies of Immunodeficencies, in some cases it has a genetic confirmation. We used medical history of patients, radiological, functional studies to establish lung lesions. We occurred immunological examination for all PID patients.

Results. Repeated pneumonia were observed in all patients with AGG and CVID, especially in the onset of PID. Patients also had diseases such as bronchiectasis (up to 37.6% of patients), chronic obstructive lung disease (up to 70.3% of patients), bronchial asthma (only SD IgA), interstitial lung disease (only CVID).

Conclusion. According to our data, in the Middle Urals, lung diseases, especially pneumonia and bronchiectasis, are the most common clinical manifestations in patients with DA. Analysis of immunoglobulins' level is necessary in patients with repeated pneumonia, bronchiectasis and interstitial lung disease, bronchial asthma and early onset of chronic obstructive lung disease without smoking status.
Prediction of restrictive ventilation disorders after COVID-19
Authors: Savushkina O. I. , Muravyeva E. S. , Avdeev S. N. , Zaitsev A. A. , Nekludova G. N. , Kryukov E. V.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. The effect of SARS-COV-2 on the lung function remains relevant at the present time.

Aim. Determination of the most important predictors of the restrictive ventilation disorder after COVID-19.

Materials and methods. The retrospective study included 341 patients without underlying lung diseases (median age 48 years) survivors after COVID-19 with bilateral pneumonia. The median of the greatest extent of parenchymal involvement in the acute phase of COVID-19 (CTmax) was 50%. Spirometry, body plethysmography, and diffusion test were performed. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, one-dimensional logistic regression analysis with an assessment of odds ratios (OR) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied. ROC analysis was used to assess the quality of the binary classifier model.

Results. The initial model for predicting reduced total lung capacity (TLC) (criterion 1: TLC < 80% predicted, criterion 2: TLC<predicted-1.645SD) included predictors: CTmax, time interval from the COVID-19 onset (TI), gender, age, body mass index. Backward stepwise regression was applied and a binary classifier model that includes CTmax and TI was obtained. Applying criterion 1 for reducing TLC, the sensitivity and specificity of the model were 70,5% and 89.3%, respectively, and criterion 2 - 96.6% and 67.3%, respectively. The analysis of OR for the obtained binary classifier models showed that OR>1 is observed at CTmax > 70%.

Conclusions. The restrictive ventilation disorder after COVID-19 is caused by CTmax and TI. The risk of reducing TLC after COVID-19 increases significantly with CTmax 70% or more. The criterion of the low level of normal of TLC affects the sensitivity and specificity of the obtained models.
Respiratory support and oxygen therapy at home: Clinical results of the prospective observatory study
Authors: Avdeev S. N. , Nevzorova D. N. , Ivanova G. E. , Lebedev G. S. , Suponeva N. A. , Avxentyeva M. V. , Shaburov R. I. , Larin E. S. , Komarov A. N. , Levitsky G. N. , Nazarov S. E. , Merzhoeva Z. M. , Karchevskaya N. A. , Morev A. V. , Movsisyan V. A. , Vasilyeva A. S. , Delmaeva Kh. S. , Bykov A. O. , Pervozvanskiy B. E. , Tkachenko V. V. , Krokhin K. A. , Nuralieva G. S.
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Respiratory diseases are number one in the structure of general morbidity of the population of the Russian Federation. The main complication of respiratory diseases is respiratory failure, which may be treated with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and respiratory support (RS): non-invasive mechanical lung ventilation (NIV) and invasive mechanical lung ventilation (IV). International medical experience indicates a widespread enough implementation of respiratory support and oxygen therapy at home (RS and OT at home) for patients including whose requiring palliative medical care.

Aim. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical results of implementation of respiratory support and oxygen therapy at home.

Materials and methods. The study included 98 patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF). All patients used RS and OT at home according to the Study Protocol. All patients were divided into 3 groups: LTOT - 47 patients, NIV in combination or with-out LTOT - 43 patients, IV in combination or without LTOT - 8 patients. The estimated parameters of the patients' condition were measured at the initiating visit and three subsequent control sessions. The planned duration of the Study was 9 months.

Results. During the Study, a statistically significant decrease in the severity of symptoms of respiratory failure was noted (CAT and mMRC scales) as well as an improvement in the quality of life and the general condition of the patient (SF-36 questionnaire and Karnovsky scale). During the study, 38 patients required hospitalization: in 8 cases hospitalization was associated with an exacerbation of CRF. The number of successful outcomes was 87 cases.

Conclusion. The Study showed that RS and OT at home is an effective and safe medical technology for patients with CFR, which reduces the manifestation of symptoms, improves the quality of life, reduces the number of hospitalizations associated with exacerbation of respiratory failure, reduces mortality, and demonstrates the effectiveness of using a modern respiratory equipment at home, as well as telemedicine technologies.
Lung damage associated with e-cigarette smoking (EVALI)
Authors: Baimakanova G. E. , Tarakanova I. Yu. , Samsonova M. V. , Beloglazova I. P. , Kaneeva I. V. , Chernikova E. N. , Manchenko O. V. , Tsiukalo D. A.
Published: December 2024

This article describes clinical cases of lung damage associated with e-cigarette smoking, EVALI (from E-cigarette and Vaping use-Associated Lung Injury) with a brief review of the literature. With the proliferation and popularization of electronic cigarettes, lung injury associated with their smoking is becoming more common. The term EVALI emerged in 2019 during the largest outbreak in the United States of America (USA), at which time criteria for verifying the diagnosis were developed. This review provides descriptions of a variety of vaping devices and smoking liquids, presents possible mechanisms of lung tissue damage resulting from smoking e-cigarettes, as well as traumatic effects from exploding lithium vape batteries. The most frequent clinical manifestations are respiratory (dyspnea, cough, chest pain, hemoptysis), constitutional (fever, general weakness) and gastroenterologic (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) symptoms. The radiologic and histologic pictures of the disease are nonspecific and varied. The diagnosis of “vape disease” includes a wide range of investigations and is a “diagnosis of exclusion”. There are no standardized approaches in the treatment of EVALI, but most patients require oxygen therapy, respiratory support, and the use of systemic glucocorticosteroids. In the current literature there is no information about chronic lung damage against the background of smoking electronic cigarettes. The presented article describes clinical cases of acute lung tissue damage and long-term consequences as a result of vaping. Thus, EVALI is an emerging disease requiring further surveillance and study.