bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Sustainable Development through Electrification: An Empirical Analysis of Electrification and Health Vulnerability in Developing Countries
Authors: An-Vo Duc Anh
Published: September 2024

Reliable access to electricity has become a necessity worldwide, and without it, no country can operate health systems and achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, while developed countries have been successfully electrified for many decades, most developing countries have fallen short, contributing to significant impacts, particularly the health sector. The present study explores the relationship between electrification and health vulnerability in developing countries between 1990 and 2020 using the Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS) approach. The varied electrification across countries motivates the use of non-linear associations between electrification and health vulnerability. We demonstrate that electrification and health vulnerability have an inverted U-shaped association. Further analysis indicates that most developing countries have achieved a mature level of an inverted U-shaped curve, showing a reduction in health vulnerability with increasing electrification. There are few developing countries, mainly African countries, struggling to reach maturity. The results of this study indicate the need for increased access to electrification, in combination with a reduction in the use of biomass and fossil fuel feedstocks, to mitigate health vulnerability in developing countries.
Value Extraction and Integrated Utilization of Spatial Assets in Old Communities Regeneration: A Case Study of Central Guangzhou, China
Authors: Yin Xiaoyong , Tang Yiming , Yuan Lei , Ai Yongjun , Tang Yan
Published: September 2024

Extracting the economic value by integrated utilization of space in old communities is crucial for encouraging independent participation from enterprises and residents, reducing reliance on government leadership and fiscal investment. This study starts from the active perspective of spatial assets, constructs a value activation framework for old community spatial assets by balancing "endogenous demand" and "exogenous opportunities." By enhancing "economic value" through "use value," five methods for value extraction and overall project utilization paths are proposed, guided by a dynamic "cost-revenue" balance. Using multi-source data, we identify the spatial assets of 1,096 old communities in central Guangzhou and apply a market comparison method for economic value assessment. Additionally, the study offers recommendations on timing and project portfolios for regeneration efforts, along with strategies for establishing a coordinating implementation entity and fund account. This research provides strategic insights for advancing the regeneration of old communities by tapping into their macro-level economic potential.
Down Syndrome in Children: An Inborn Error of Immunity with Immune Dysregulation
Authors: Szczawińska-Popłonyk Aleksandra , Popłonyk Natalia , Awdi Karina
Published: September 2024

Background. The multisystemic features of Down syndrome (DS) in children are accompanied by an immunodeficiency, making them susceptible to infections and immune dysregulation with autoimmune, allergic, inflammatory, and hematological complications. This study was aimed at a better understanding of the abnormalities within the B and T cell compartments and their correlations with clinical immunophenotypes. Methods. Medical records of 35 DS children were retrospectively reviewed, referring to clinical symptomatology including history of infections, immune dysregulation disorders, and humoral and cellular immune response. Results. While the etiology of respiratory tract infections included typical viral and bacterial pathogens, SARS-CoV2-induced inflammatory disease and syndromic immunodeficiency contributed significantly to deterioration of the clinical course. Allergic diseases in the form of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and alimentary allergy were the most frequent manifestations of immune dysregulation and were followed by autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn disease, celiac disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and alopecia, as well as inflammatory disorders, balanitis xerotica obliterans and lymphadenopathy, and a hematological disorder of myelopoiesis. Deficiency of serum immunoglobulin levels, reduced numbers of naïve B cells, and non-switched memory B cells along with low naïve T helper cells and significantly reduced regulatory T helper cells were the most prominent immune abnormalities. Conclusions. The loss of naïvete in B and T lymphocyte compartments with a deficiency of regulatory T cells may be underpinning pathomechanisms for the skewed immune response. The clinical immunophenotype in DS is complex and represents syndromic inborn error of immunity with immune dysregulation.
Implementation of Quality Function Deployment to Improve Online Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Institutes of Engineering in Oman
Authors: Ahmed Al yaarubi Jawaher Rashid , Rajakannu Amuthakkannan
Published: September 2024

In this digital era, online learning and teaching is an important platform for college and university learners which required many technical facilities and in depth knowledge to have learning process effectively. Students and teachers in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were forced to grapple with the inevitability of shifting to online classes due to the advantages of effective distance learning or for large learning group. In the case of Oman, there have been some efforts to integrate alternative learning mechanisms such as online and mobile education in the past but not followed the scale in the post pandemic world. This study seeks to utilize the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) through the implementation of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) as a way to better understand the experiences of Omani teachers and students from HEIs. A voice of customer from teachers and students have been collected and recorded. In this regard, 165 staff and 355 students from HEIs of Engineering participated in the survey. After the survey, a house of quality analysis was done to analyze the requirements based on how strongly they are related to the standard learning outcomes expected from HEIs in Oman. The results show that more attention is required in online education in the Sultanate of Oman before it is implemented as a major part in learning and teaching.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Hip Osteoarthritis with Subtrochanteric Localized Periosteal Thickening: Preoperative Planning Using Finite Element Analysis to Determine the Optimal Stem Length
Authors: Shimasaki Koshiro , Nishino Tomofumi , Yoshizawa Tomohiro , Watanabe Ryunosuke , Hirose Fumi , Yasunaga Shota , Mishima Hajime
Published: September 2024

Owing to the risk of atypical femoral fractures, total hip arthroplasty presents unique challenges for patients with ipsilateral osteoarthritis and localized periosteal thickening in the femoral subtrochanteric region. Stem length selection is critical for minimizing stress concentration in the thickened cortex to avoid such fractures. Herein, we report the case of a 78-year-old woman with ipsilateral hip osteoarthritis and localized subtrochanteric periosteal thickening. Preoperative planning included finite element analysis to assess stress distribution across various stem lengths. Simulation aimed to determine the optimal stem length to span the cortical thickening and reduce the risk of postoperative complications. The results of finite element analysis indicated that a stem length of >150 mm was required to effectively reduce the stress at the site of cortical thickening. A 175-mm stem was selected for total hip arthroplasty, which provided a favorable stress distribution and avoided the risk of stress concentration. Therefore, in cases of ipsilateral osteoarthritis with localized subtrochanteric periosteal thickening, finite element analysis can be valuable for preoperative planning to determine the optimal stem length, thereby reducing the risk of atypical femoral fractures. Further studies with multiple cases are recommended to validate these findings and improve surgical outcomes.
Unlocking the Potential of the Superficial Cervical Plexus Block in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review and Single-Center, Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Zako Joe , Perez Jordi
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: The anesthetic block of the sensory branches of the superficial cervical plexus (SCP) renders a specific area of the face, head, and anterior neck insensible and painless. Chronic pain in these areas can be difficult to diagnose and treat. In this report, we briefly review the existing evidence on the topic of the SCP block (SCPB) to set the context for our research. We then share our own clinical experience with the SCPB for managing chronic pain syndromes from both cancerous and non-cancerous etiologies. Methods: We first performed a comprehensive literature search and narrative review of clinical cases and studies that utilized the SCPB as an analgesic technique. We then conducted a retrospective case series of all patients who received a SCPB at our pain clinic since 2020. Results: Our literature review found only a few cases reported, with most of them focusing on acute painful emergencies and perioperative pain syndromes and only very few addressing chronic pain. In our pain clinic, 14 patients received one or more SCPBs for chronic pain management. In 42% of these cases, the pain was related to cancer. The most common areas of pain corresponded to the regions supplied by the transverse cervical and greater auricular nerves. The procedures were uneventful in all cases, and patients rated them as effective and worthwhile 71% of the time. Conclusions: Despite the lack of high-quality studies on SCPBs in pain management, the authors’ experience suggests that it is a valid minimally invasive alternative for managing chronic face, head and neck pain.
A Comparative Data Augmentation-Assisted Diagnostic Framework for Industrial Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Kim Dong-Yun , Kareem Akeem Bayo , Domingo Daryl , HUR Jangwook
Published: September 2024

This study presents an advanced data augmentation framework to enhance diagnostics in centrifugal pumps using vibration data, with a focus on practical industrial applications. Initially, Gaussian noise and signal stretching were employed to generate synthetic data, addressing the common issue of insufficient defect data in industrial settings. These methods simulate varied operating conditions and different rotating speeds. Recognizing the limitations of traditional approaches, we further integrated advanced models—Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Autoencoder (AE), and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to augment the dataset comprehensively. This enhanced approach increases the robustness and accuracy of machine-learning models for fault detection and classification. Experimental results show significant improvements in diagnostic algorithm performance, reducing false positives and increasing fault detection rates. The study offers a complete framework for incorporating both traditional and advanced data augmentation techniques into predictive maintenance protocols, ensuring reliable operation of centrifugal pumps in diverse industrial environments.
Synergistic Dual Targeting of Thioredoxin and Glutathione Systems Irrespective of p53 in Glioblastoma Stem Cells
Authors: Jamali Fatemeh , Lan Katherine , Daniel Paul , Petrecca Kevin , Sabri Siham , ABDULKARIM BASSAM
Published: September 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable primary brain cancer characterized by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The redox-sensitive tumor suppressor gene TP53, wildtype (wt) for 70% of patients, regulates redox homeostasis. Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) increase thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH) antioxidant systems as survival redox-adaptive mechanisms to maintain ROS below the cytotoxic threshold. Auranofin, an FDA-approved anti-rheumatoid drug, inhibits thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1). L-buthionine sulfoximine (L-BSO) and the natural product piperlongumine (PPL) inhibit the GSH system. We evaluated the cytotoxic effects of Auranofin alone and in combination with L-BSO or PPL in GBM cell lines and GSCs with known TP53 status. The Cancer Genome Atlas/GBM analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between wtp53 and TrxR1 expression in GBM. Auranofin induced ROS-dependent cytotoxicity within a micromolar range in GSCs. Auranofin decreased TrxR1 expression, AKT(Ser-473) phosphorylation, increased p53, p21 and PARP-1 apoptotic cleavage in wtp53-GSCs, while mutant-p53 was decreased in a mutant-p53 GSC line. p53-knockdown in a wtp53-GSC line decreased TrxR1 expression and significantly increased sensitivity to auranofin, suggesting the role of wtp53 as a negative redox-sensitive mechanism in response to auranofin in GSCs. Auranofin and L-BSO combination synergistically increased ROS, decreased IC50s and induced long-term cytotoxicity irrespective of p53 in GBM cell lines and GSCs. Intriguingly, Auranofin increased expression of glutathione S-transferase pi-1 (GSTP-1), a target of PPL. Combination of auranofin with PPL synergistically decreased IC50s to a nanomolar range in GSCs, supporting the potential to repurpose auranofin and PPL in GBM.
Digital Twins and Intrusion Detection Systems: A Synergistic Approach to Securing Smart Cities
Authors: El-Hajj Mohammed
Published: September 2024

In this research, we investigate the integration of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) with a Digital Twin (DT) to enhance the cybersecurity of physical devices in cyber-physical systems. Using Eclipse Ditto as the DT platform and Snort as the IDS, we developed a near-realistic test environment that included a Raspberry Pi as the physical device and a Kali Linux virtual machine to perform common cyberattacks such as Hping3 flood attacks and NMAP reconnaissance scans. The results demonstrated that the IDS effectively detected Hping3-based flood attacks but showed limitations in identifying NMAP scans, suggesting areas for IDS configuration improvements. Furthermore, the study uncovered significant system resource impacts, including high CPU usage during SYN and ACK flood attacks and persistent memory usage after NMAP scans, highlighting the need for enhanced recovery mechanisms. This research presents a novel approach by coupling a Digital Twin with an IDS, enabling real-time monitoring and providing a dual perspective on both system performance and security. The integration offers a holistic method for identifying vulnerabilities and understanding resource impacts during cyberattacks. The work contributes new insights into the use of Digital Twins for cybersecurity and paves the way for further research into automated defense mechanisms, real-world validation of the proposed model, and the incorporation of additional attack scenarios. The results suggest that this combined approach holds significant promise for enhancing the security and resilience of IoT devices and other cyber-physical systems.
A Comparison of Battery Equivalent Circuit Model Parameter Extraction Approaches Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Yuchao , Balasingam Balakumar
Published: September 2024

This paper presents three approaches to estimating battery parameters of the electrical equivalent circuit model (ECM) based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS); these approaches are referred to as (a) least squares (LS), (b) exhaustive search (ES), and (c) nonlinear least squares (NLS). The ES approach is assisted with the LS method for the rough determination of the lower and upper bound of the ECM parameters, and the NLS approach is incorporated with the Monte Carlo run such that different initial guesses can be assigned to improve the goodness of EIS fitting. The proposed approaches are validated using both simulated and real EIS data. Compared to LS approach, the ES and NLS approaches show better fitting accuracy at various noise levels; whereas both in the validation using simulated EIS data and actual EIS data collected from LG 18650 and Molicel 21700 batteries, the NLS approach shows better fitting accuracy than that of LS and ES approaches. In all cases, compared with the ES approach, the computational time of the NLS approach is significantly faster, and compared with the LS approach, the NLS approach shows a minimal difference in computational time and considerably better fitting performance.
Caregivers of People with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Potential Ally to Enhance Delivery of Nutrition Care
Authors: Lockwood Georgina , Davey Lucimay , McFarlane Catherine , Gray Nicholas A , Wright Hattie
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Caregivers play an important role in supporting care recipients to navigate their health needs including adherence to dietary recommendations which are complex and multifaceted. The study aimed to i) describe the nutrition knowledge of caregivers of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and ii) explore caregivers’ perception of their role in providing healthy meals and nutrition support for care recipients. Methods: Caregivers (n=78) of people with stage 1-5 CKD or post-transplant were recruited from a single centre. A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. Nutrition knowledge was assessed with the revised General Nutrition Knowledge questionnaire. Theory informed semi-structured interviews in a sub-sample (n=12) explored caregiver perception. Results: Most caregivers were female (75.6%) caring for a male care recipient (87%; aged 74 (66;80) yrs.). Caregivers (75.6%) provided a meal ≥6 times/week to their care recipient and had moderate nutrition knowledge (66.1 (60.5; 73.9) %). Four themes emerged describing caregivers’ perception on meal provision and nutrition support including i) food literacy skills are valued, ii) social support is important, iii) caregivers’ sense of social responsibility, and iv) meal provision is complex and dynamic. Conclusions: Caregivers have moderate nutrition knowledge; they want to provide healthy meals and support to care recipients to adhere to dietary recommendations. Targeted, co-designed nutrition education programs for caregivers may enhance nutrition care delivery to people with CKD.
Farmers’ Perception Assessment of Water and Agronomic Management in Rice Irrigation Schemes in Togo
Authors: Arouna Alfassassi , Dzomeku Israel K. , Shaibu Abdul-Ganiyu , Nurudeen Abdul Rahman
Published: September 2024

This paper assessed rice farmers' perceptions of agricultural and irrigation practices through their choices. A survey was carried out among 278 rice farmers on five irrigation schemes in three agro-ecological zones of Togo, viz. the savannah region, the forest region and the coastal region. The sample of random respondents was selected from a list of rice farmers provided by the managers of these irrigated schemes. Data collected through face-to-face interviews using kobocollect software were analyzed with R 4.2 software, and the Pearson test was validated at the 5% level. The results showed that the socio-economic characteristics of the rice growers, such as access to agricultural credit, experience, non-agricultural activities, membership of a rice growers' cooperative, gender, level of education and training in growing irrigated rice, and farm labor, significantly influenced the choice of agronomic practices and irrigation management. Characteristics such as experience, training and hired farm labor enhanced paddy yields, while access to agricultural credit was unproductive. Chemical clearing combined with stump removal, tiller ploughing, transplanting and high plant density are the agricultural practices that increased paddy yields, while tiller mudding and basal mineral fertilization were inefficient. In the same way, water distribution by demand, water depth above the soil of less than 5 cm, use of water-saving technologies and farmer's knowledge of how to improve water and fertilizer use-efficiency also helped to boost paddy yields. For sustainable rice production in the context of labor shortages and the financial resources required, future studies will focus on the effectiveness of motorized mudding and agricultural credits for rice farmers. Furthermore, considering the crucial role of training in the adopting of good agricultural and irrigation practices, future research will study strategies for wide diffusion of knowledge to rice producers.
The Impact of Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Socio-Economic, Hormonal, and Clinical Insights from Hassan II Regional Oncology Center, Morocco
Authors: Fatima Ezahra Mouas , Latifa Doudach , Boutaina Addoum , Mohammed Attaleb , El Mzibri Mohammed , Laïla Benbacer , Ghizlane Rais , Taoufiq Fechtali
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify various risk factors associated with breast cancer and explore different treatment strategies based on socio-economic, hormonal, and clinical perspectives.; Methods: We analyzed socio-economic, hormonal, genetic, and clinical variables using data from 356 questionnaires obtained from breast cancer patients at Hassan II Regional Hospital in Agadir, Morocco ; Results:The study reveals that the average age of breast cancer patients is 50 ± 10.72 years, with a mode of 47 years and an age range from 29 to 94 years. Notably, women aged 38 are most frequently diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Significant socio-economic trends were observed among the participants, with the majority being housewives (91%) and nearly half residing in rural areas (48.60%). High rates of illiteracy (74.72%) and financial difficulties (54.2%) pose challenges in accessing healthcare services. Psychological distress is prevalent, with 40.7% experiencing anxiety and 30.1% experiencing sadness. The use of oral contraceptives varies, with implications for breast cancer risk. Additionally, statistics on menarche and menopause suggest hormonal influences on breast cancer development. Histological analysis indicates a predominance of grade II invasive ductal carcinoma and left breast localization. Metastases are present in nearly 38.20% of cases. Notably, surgery as the primary treatment effectively treats medium-sized tumors while limiting metastasis. Furthermore, a comparison of treatment strategies reveals a preference for letrozole among postmenopausal patients and tamoxifen among premenopausal patients; Conclusions:These findings highlight the complexity of breast cancer risk factors and therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and targeted interventions.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Food Security in Northern Ghana: Causes and Coping Strategies in the Upper East Region
Authors: Akapule Gifty , Tahiru Abdul-wahab , Tandoh-offin Patrick , Garti Helene
Published: September 2024

Food insecurity remains a significant developmental challenge, particularly in rural areas, despite ongoing efforts to mitigate it. To better understand the persistence of this issue, this study investigates the causes of household food insecurity and the coping strategies employed by households in Zorkor Goo, Zorkor Kanga, and Zorkor Kadaare communities within the Bongo District of Ghana’s Upper East Region. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted, sampling 196 households systematically from these communities. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic factors, causes of food insecurity, household coping strategies, and dietary intake. The analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 21.0), with food security status and dietary intake assessed via the FANTA Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Food Consumption Score, respectively. The study identified key factors contributing to food insecurity, including soil infertility, poor rainfall patterns, food spoilage, extravagant funerals, large family size, high unemployment, and lack of education. Major coping strategies among households included meal skipping, reducing meal size and frequency, migration, asset sales, and basket weaving. The findings revealed that 96.4% of households were severely food insecure, and over two-thirds (67.3%) exhibited poor dietary consumption. Notably, household employment levels, education, and food consumption scores were significantly associated with food insecurity (P<0.001). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing the root causes of food insecurity and enhancing household resilience in these communities.
Peroxymonosulfate Activation by Fe@N Co-doped BC for the Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole: The Key Role of Pyrrolic N
Authors: Liu Tong , Li Chen-Xuan , Chen Xing , Chen Yihan , Cui Kangping , Wang Dejin , Wei Qiang
Published: September 2024

In this study, Fe, N co-doped biochar (Fe@N co-doped BC) was synthesized by carbonization-pyrolysis method and used as carbocatalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) removal. In the Fe@N co-doped BC/PMS system, the degradation rate of SMX (10.0 mg⋅L−1) was 90.2% within 40 min under optimal conditions. The radical quenching experiments, and electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis suggested that sulfate radicals (SO4•−), hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2) participated in the degradation process. After the reaction, the proportion of pyrrolic N apparently decreased from 57.9% to 27.1%. Pyrrolic N served as active sites to break the inert carbon network structure and promote the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Besides, pyrrolic N showed stronger interaction with PMS and significantly reduced the activation energy required for the reaction (∆G = 23.54 kcal/mol). The utilization potentiality of Fe@N co-doped BC was systematically evaluated in terms of its reusability, and selectivity to organics. Finally, the intermediates of SMX were also detected.
An Analysis of Türkiye’s Role in the Black Sea Region Building Process
Authors: Özkural Köroğlu Nergiz , Özgüven Fatih
Published: September 2024

In a multipolar world, new security threats have emerged, and region-based approaches have been developed to address these new security challenges. In the literature on regionalisation, it is assumed that region-building processes take place under certain conditions and in certain stages. Considering the existing processes in the literature, this study aligns the formation of the Black Sea Region with the understanding of the stages of region-building and proposes new stages of region-building, influenced by the first and second waves of regionalisation processes. In order to analyse Türkiye’s role in the region, the statements made by Turkish political elites (Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, President, and Presidential Spokesperson) during their visits to the Black Sea countries (Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia) between 2014 and 2023 were subjected to content analysis. This period was chosen to highlight the post-2014 period, which witnessed conflicts that negatively affected the region-building process. Security concerns are important in region-building processes and often lead to the formation of security communities.
Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Healthcare: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Çelik Ömer , Kaya Elif
Published: September 2024

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare services has underscored the importance of ethical considerations. This development highlights the need to examine ethical implications, debates, concerns, and thoughts from diverse and broad perspectives. In this context, the study focuses on the ethical dimensions of AI in the healthcare domain. AI is increasingly being used in various healthcare applications, but this usage brings along ethical challenges. The aim of the research is to identify themes, trends, and critical points related to AI ethics in healthcare. Through literature review and bibliometric analyses, it is observed that AI ethics research in healthcare revolves around fundamental concepts such as ethics, AI, machine learning, healthcare services, and privacy. Additionally, the leading countries, authors, and institutions in the field are examined. The intensity of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the literature is steadily increasing. In conclusion, considering the potential benefits and challenges of AI use in healthcare, addressing ethical issues, ensuring data security, and enhancing transparency in AI decision processes are crucial. The study aims to provide a deeper understanding of AI ethics topics in the existing literature and guide future research.
Evaluation of the Bridge Supplement Set overhead cable system with uneven bank heights
Authors: Griffin Aaron , Murray Matthew
Published: September 2024

A numerical model was developed to analyze the effects of environmental conditions and construction layout on the structural capacity of the modernized Bridge Supplemental Set (BSS). Environmental variables included even and uneven bank heights, soil strength, river width, and river flow rate conditions. Construction variables included tower placement, tower guy line orientation, and catenary length. Loading conditions, the drag force of the bridge due to river current, were conservatively applied with the assumption of uniform flow rate across the entire river width to account for the wide range of operating environments in which the BSS may potentially be used. Analysis of system performance informed several BSS construction optimizations to maximize system capabilities over the wide range of conditions considered. Catenary length was found to have the greatest influence on system performance, indicating that a small increase in cate-nary length would greatly reduce the loading on the critical components of the BSS, thus increasing the capacity and safety of the system. A stand-alone computer program was developed to quickly provide BSS construction guidance for a large variety of operating conditions, as the number of charts and figures required to account for most scenarios numbers in the thousands.
Ecosistemas digitales y redes sociales: dinámicas emergentes y nuevos desafíos
Authors: Andrada Pablo , Franganillo Jorge
Published: September 2024

N/A
Las retransmisiones deportivas a través de la radio y las redes sociales en España
Authors: Terol Bolinches Raúl
Published: September 2024

Nowadays it is commonplace for us to be able to enjoy a sporting event of interest every day on the radio, which continues to offer very important coverage of sports such as football. The radio programme with sports information is usually complemented with other audiovisual content distributed through social networks in order to generate interaction with the audience and attract new listeners.
This study compares the radio programmes dedicated to sports broadcasts on four general radio stations in Spain: Carrusel deportivo on Cadena Ser; Tiempo de juego on Cadena COPE; Tablero deportivo on RNE; and Radioestadio on Onda Cero. The methodology used in this study has combined the qualitative analysis of the sample with a quantitative one, randomly analysing two of their weekend broadcasts of a La Liga football match.
The conclusions of this work focus on aspects such as the content uploaded to the social networks, in which the profile of the programme is shown, it is observed that there are two types: those related to sports information and those associated with the story to involve the audience that follows the programme.
China frente al reto de la democracia: comunicación y participación política
Authors: Haro Navejas Francisco Javier , Tapia Muro Cristina
Published: September 2024

According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA, 2022), China represents an authoritarian regime. In contrast, Xi Jinping - president and secretary general of the Communist Party, considers his State to be democratic. How can we describe his discourse about democracy? What elements does he integrate on it? What communicative instruments does he use to transmit them? Who are they addressed to? To conceptualize democracy and participation in the Chinese case, adjectives are added and constructed, specificities are stablished, and interpretations of the history are created. We will describe the way in which Xi has appropriated the concept and, from his understanding, has applied it. The objectives of the paper are: 1) to identify the discourses that China has built around democracy, and 2) to present the communication instruments that the government has used to disseminate its ideas. The methodological design is qualitative, analyzing representative texts for the case in addition to other official information. The results reflect that China has appropriated the concept and has spread it based on external and internal motivations, encouraging limited forms of participation, with nativist pretensions based on interpretations of history and in defense of sovereignty.
Deepfakes Sexuales: impacto, prevención y perspectivas de género en el entorno digital
Authors: Barba Arteaga Cecilia
Published: September 2024

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the creation and dissemination of deepfakes, especially in the area of online sexual content. These deepfakes have mainly been used to create non-consensual content of a sexual nature. This research examines the issue of sexual deepfakes from a variety of perspectives based on a systematised literature review, highlighting their role in perpetuating sexual violence and gender bias by sexualising and objectifying women without their consent. It discusses the implications of the continuation of sexual abuse, the lack of consent in the digital environment, the impact on victims and the role of this technology in perpetuating sexual violence. Strategies to curb the creation and dissemination of sexual deepfakes are described, including detection methods, legal frameworks and media literacy. Addressing this issue in a comprehensive and collaborative manner is crucial to mitigating the negative impacts of this emerging technology and protecting victims' rights.
Insights and Learning from IOGP Global Upstream Process Safety Event Data
Authors: Fargie D. , Walker K. , Poore W. M. , Norton S. , Husain I. , Decarli L. , Clover C.
Published: September 2024

The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) is a global organization in which member companies identify and share best practices to achieve improvements in many areas including upstream process safety. Since 2014 IOGP has published an annual process safety event (PSE) data report based on data submitted in alignment with the upstream and downstream reporting criteria in IOGP Report 456 and API RP 754.

Participating IOGP Member Companies voluntarily contribute to the process safety data collection process. Lagging Tier 1 and Tier 2 PSE data are submitted for trending and benchmarking. Submitted event information includes a narrative description for Tier 1 PSE, with identification of the point of release, barrier failures and associated causal factors. A review of each data submission is conducted by Member Company specialists in process safety and data reporting to confirm the Tier 1 classification.

The systematic and transparent reporting of Tier 1 PSE, and the annual review process, allow the analysis of the point of release, the material released, release rate and consequences of each event. This information enables the classification as a Tier 1 to be confirmed. During the data review process, a keyword is also allocated to further categorize the Tier 1 PSE and help identify trends and learning. The keywords are based on threat lines in a generic PSE bow tie, which are updated as new threats are identified. In addition, the review of specific events is used to update PSE classification examples on the IOGP website and to raise awareness of emerging risks associated with human performance, design, operational practices, or geographic seasonal PSE areas of concern.

Having the largest database of upstream process safety performance and fatality data, gives IOGP a unique opportunity to encourage upstream industry collaboration and sharing of best practices to prevent process safety events. An example of this is the development of the IOGP Process Safety Fundamentals (PSF), which were based on IOGP PSE fatality data, to provide a standardized industry approach to the prevention of high consequence process safety related events.
Experimental Investigation of Concrete With Red Mud: Performance Evaluation and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bakshi Shubham , Narayanan Sabarigirivasan Lakshmi
Published: September 2024

The disposal of red mud, a byproduct resulting from the extraction of alumina from bauxite ore, has emerged as a significant environmental issue owing to its elevated alkalinity and substantial concentration of heavy metals. However, recent studies have shown that red mud can be used as an additional cementitious material in concrete, providing not only environmental benefits but also improved mechanical properties and durability. This study investigates the potential of red mud as an innovative material in advanced thermal energy storage (TES) systems, aiming to enhance sustainable development. The rich composition of red mud in iron oxide, aluminum oxide, and silica suggests promising applications in TES, offering both environmental and economic benefits. The studies generally followed a systematic set of stages in the experimental process of manufacturing concrete cubes both with and without red mud as a partial replacement for cement. The necessary components are first obtained, which include cement, fine and coarse aggregates, water, and red mud. To produce the desired M30 grade concrete, a specific mix design is created, taking into account the amounts of each component. For the addition of red mud, to investigate its effect on concrete properties a set percentage of cement is substituted by Red Mud: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The potential of red mud as a partial substitute for cement in concrete is generally considered to be positive by the results of the studies. Beyond performance, the utilization of red mud offers economic advantages by diminishing the need for cement, thereby fostering significant cost savings and concurrently mitigating environmental impact.
Electroacupuncture alters cannabinoid receptor 1 and transient receptor potential V1 expression on individual brain regions in a mouse fibromyalgia model
Authors: Lin Huan-Chin , Hsu Hsin-Cheng , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: September 2024

Fibromyalgia, one of the most challenging pains to treat, lacks impartial considerations for diagnosis and useful assessment. The core symptoms are persistent extensive pain accompanied by fatigue, psychological disorders, sleep disturbance, and obesity. The current study aims to explore the role of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) signaling pathways in a mouse model of fibromyalgia. This model was subjected to intermittent cold stress (ICS) to induce fibromyalgia, as measured by the nociceptive behavior determined by von Frey and Hargraves’ tests. Our results showed lower mechanical threshold (2.32 ± 0.12 g) and thermal latency (4.14 ± 0.26 s) in ICS-induced fibromyalgia mice. The hyperalgesia could be alleviated by electroacupuncture (EA) or by transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) knockout. We found differential expression of CB1 and TRPV1 signaling molecules in specific brain regions: upregulated TRPV1 and related kinases in the dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord, hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray region, and decreased CB1 receptor composition. EA reversed these effects associated with fibromyalgia, aligning with observations inTrpv1−/−mice. Peripheral acupoint or intracerebral ventricle injection of a CB1 agonist or antagonist significantly regulated hyperalgesia through the CB1 signaling pathway. Our discoveries shed light on the involvement of CB1 on the TRPV1 pathway in the effects of EA in fibromyalgia, suggesting its potential as a treatment target.
The effectiveness of thoracal epidural steroid and local anesthetic injection: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
Authors: ALİYEV Dostali , BAYRAM Derya , AŞIK İbrahim
Published: September 2024

Background
The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of thoracic interlaminar epidural injections in alleviating pain and enhancing function in patients suffering from chronic mid and/or upper back pain.
Study design
A randomized, double-blind, active controlled trial.
Materials and Methods
One hundred patients were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 50 patients. Group I received only a local anesthetic, while Group II received a combination of local anesthetic and steroids. The random assignment to either Group I or Group II was determined using a simple computer-generated sequence.
Outcomes were evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the revised Oswestry Disability Index (rODI). Patients who showed significant improvement for more than four weeks after the first two procedures were deemed successful. Those who did not were classified as failed participants. Significant improvement was defined as a reduction of more than 50% in both NRS and rODI scores, with assessments conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.
The center where the study was conducted: Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Division of Algology, Ankara, Turkey
Results
The study included 100 participants, evenly divided into two groups of 50 each. At 12 months, significant pain relief (≥ 50%) and a reduction of at least 50% in ODI scores from baseline were observed in 86% of patients in Group I and 90% of patients in Group II.
Conclusions
The results of this trial suggest that chronic thoracic pain of non-facet joint origin can be managed conservatively using thoracic interlaminar epidural injections, either with or without steroids.
Integrating Deep Learning and Radiomics for Osteoporosis Screening in Elderly Population using Lumbar CT
Authors: Jiang Lezhen , Wang Yi , Wu Hong , Huang Jing , Cai Siqing , Chen Jie , Guo Yifan , Li Yuanzhe
Published: September 2024

Rationale and Objectives:To create and validate an all-encompassing method that combines deep learning and radiomics, enabling the utilization of routine lumbar CT scans for opportunistic screening of osteoporosis.
Materials and Methods:This research collected patient data retrospectively from January 2020 through December 2022. A sample of 100 lumbar vertebrae was selected to develop a UPerNet model for segmenting vertebral bone marrow. The remaining vertebrae were utilized as validation data for the segmentation model and employed to generate a radiomic signature for osteoporosis diagnosis. Subsequently, the remaining vertebrae were allocated into a training set, an internal validation set, and an external validation set, following a 3:1:1 ratio. A total of 1794 radiomic features were extracted from the lumbar vertebral bone marrow. Feature selection was sequentially carried out using the minimum-redundancy maximum-relevance (mRMR) and then the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), followed by the construction of the radiomic signature using logistic regression. The performance of the vertebral segmentation model was evaluated with the Dice coefficient. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the consistency of radiomic feature extraction from automatic segmentation by the UPerNet model and manual segmentation by radiologists. The diagnostic performance of the radiomic signature was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Results: This study encompassed 438 lumbar vertebrae from 127 patients, with 168 of these vertebrae being osteoporotic. The UPerNet model achieved a Dice coefficient of 0.90 (95%CI: 0.84-0.95) for validation. Of the 1794 radiomic features extracted, 88.45% showed ICC values over 0.8. The area under the curve (AUC) for radiomic signature in the external validation set reached 0.96 (95%CI: 0.91-1.00).
Conclusions: The radiomic signature derived from automatically segmented CT images of lumbar bone marrow using the UPerNet model exhibited high accuracy in osteoporosis screening.
A new method for determining the pore-water pressure around twin shallow circular tunnels
Authors: Zhan Tao , Shan Shengbiao , He Peiyuan
Published: September 2024

In order to obtain the distribution rules of pore-water pressure for twin shallow circular tunnels, the determination approach in the pore-water pressure for the twin shallow circular tunnels buried in a semi-infinite space was proposed by using the bipolar coordinate system method and the Schwarz alternating method for the first time. The solution of pore-water pressure was also obtained by multiple iterations method. The proposed approach was validated by the results of numerical simulation. The maximum error between the results of the analytical solutions from the proposed method and the numerical simulation was only 2.15% when the accuracy was set to 1.0×10-3MPa. At last, influences of the number of holes and the tunnel center spacing on the pore-water pressure were presented. It is shown that the number of holes and the tunnel center spacing were the main factors for the distribution of pore-water pressure, and the pore-water pressure of twin shallow circular tunnels was only greater than the pore-water pressure of single shallow circular tunnel in the upper area of tunnels. And the maximum result for the pore-water pressure of twin shallow circular tunnels was obtained in the midpoint of the tunnel center spacing.
Morphological and biochemical responses of cotton cultivars against thrips infestation
Authors: . Sunidhi , Sharma Sucheta , Singla Prabhjot , Kaur Rimaljeet , Pandher Suneet , Singh Satnam , Pathak Dharminder
Published: September 2024

Thrips damage can affect the morphological characteristics, photosynthetic pigments and biochemical parameters of cotton cultivars. In the pot experiment conducted at RRS, Faridkot, two contrasting cotton cultivars (LH 2107 and LD 491) were infested with thrips after 30 days of sowing. Leaf samples of control and infested plants were collected from 15days post infestation (DPI) at 10 days interval. The highest thrips intensity (38.9 mean thrips/3 leaves) was found in LH 2107 at 90 DAS. Resistant cultivar (LD 491) showed more number of non-granular and glandular trichomes as compared to susceptible cultivar (LH 2107). Correlation analysis of LH 2107 revealed positive correlation of thrips population with reducing sugars, total soluble sugars and total protein. On the other hand, association studies for LD 491 showed that thrips intensity was positively correlated to gossypol, lignin and cellulose. The present study suggests that changes in morphological and biochemical attributes provide resistance against thrips in cotton cultivars. Hence, such attributes can be used as potential markers for developing thrips resistance in cotton through breeding programme.