bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional skills on the spiritual dimension. A mixed methods evaluation of a multicomponent intervention for nursing home teams
Authors: Fruneaux Niecky , Persoon Anke , Bronkhorst Ewald , Engels Yvonne
Published: November 2024

Background: Moving to a nursing home has a major existential impact on the lives of residents and their relatives. In particular, healthcare professionals who have daily contact with residents have many opportunities to pay attention to existential and spiritual issues. We aimed to increase awareness of the spiritual dimension to understand how healthcare professionals evaluate their spiritual competencies, which coaching questions they have and which spiritual skills can be observed in daily practice after a multicomponent intervention, comprising training, team intervision and individual coaching on the job.
Methods: To implement the intervention in two nursing home teams, we performed action research. The participants were mainly certified nurse assistants and client support workers. The training was evaluated with the Spiritual Care Competency Scale (SCCS). Paired-samples t-tests were used to compare the sum scores of the scales of the pre- and posttests of the SCCS (n=24 participants). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the different coaching questions. Observations during individual coaching-on-the-job were analysed via deductive content analysis.
Results: The sum scores of the scales and subscales significantly increased between the pre- and posttests. The awareness of participants’ own role in contact with residents was mentioned frequently in the coaching questions. Increased awareness of one’s role in contacts was also reported. Additionally, participants without specific coaching questions appreciated the feedback. [NF1] These observations provide valuable insight into the application of different spiritual skills: aligning, connecting and deepening. Many different actions in response to residents’ needs are observed when healthcare professionals pay attention to what is particularly important.
Conclusions: Increasing SCCS scores indicate that the intervention improved spiritual competencies. Trainingand individual coaching were helpful for increasingawareness and translating theories and tools during the daily work of healthcare professionals in a nursing home.
[NF1]Even iets over toevoegen in discussie en conclusie
Global prevalence and risk factors of multidrug resistance Escherichia coli in human and animal samples (2015-2023): A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tirusew Sema , Destaw Damtie , Abas Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a critical global concern. Escherichia coli, a prominent Gram-negative bacterium, present significant challenges in infection management due to its adaptive resistance mechanisms. Found naturally in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals, E. coli strains are increasingly resistant to antibiotics worldwide, necessitating urgent intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence and risk variables linked to multidrug-resistant E. coli in human and animal samples via systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched databases like Google Scholar, Scopus and Medline (PubMed) for relevant publications from January 2015 to April 2023. These studies reported on multidrug-resistant E. coli prevalence and associated risk factors. Articles were selected based on predefined criteria. Results were presented with 95% confidence intervals in forest plots, tables, and figures. Heterogeneity was assessed using the inconsistency index (I2). Random-effects model Comprehensive meta-analysis software calculated pooled prevalence and risk factor estimates. The combined prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli was estimated at 36.5% (95% CI: 24.6–50.3), showing significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.13%). Risk variables like length of hospital stay and past history of antibiotic usage have been linked to increased multidrug resistance in E. coli, according to a pooled study of 23 researches that satisfied the meta-analysis eligibility criteria. The pooled odds ratio for risk factors was 1.266 (95% CI: 0.804–1.992), with notable heterogeneity (I2 = 85.92%). Additionally, the odds ratio for prior antibiotic usage was 1.326 (95% CI: 0.837–2.102), and for length of hospital stay, it was 1.162 (95% CI: 0.340–3.973). This study and meta-analysis highlight global concerns regarding antibiotic resistance, particularly the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli. Key-independent risk factors identified include the duration of hospital stays and prior antibiotic use. Effective management and prevention strategies for drug resistance in E. coli and other bacteria should depend on identifying and addressing these risk factors.
Acetylation of STX17 promotes its cytosol-to-autophagosome sorting by myosin Ⅵ
Authors: Zheng Pengli , Zhou Chenqian , Li Peiyang , Wang Jingzi , Tian Xiaoyu , Liu Bei , Teng Junlin , Chen Jianguo
Published: November 2024

Autophagy is a fundamental process for maintaining cell homeostasis, and STX17-mediated autophagosome-lysosome fusion is essential for cargo degradation and recycling. The translocation of STX17 to the autophagosomal membrane is necessary for the fusion, yet the mechanism governing this process remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the cytosolic, but not membrane-inserted, STX17 translocates onto autophagosomes during autophagy. Following starvation, STX17 is acetylated at lysine 254 (K254) which is accessible only in cytosolic STX17, and this promotes the autophagosomal translocation of STX17 and subsequent autophagosome-lysosome fusion. The cytosolic acetyltransferase GCN5 mediates STX17 K254 acetylation, which is counteracted by the deacetylase SIRT1. Moreover, autophagosomal translocation of K254-acetylated STX17 is mediated by myosin Ⅵ. Therefore, our research proposes the cytosolic source of autophagosomal STX17 and highlights the importance of acetylation and F-actin-based motor proteins in autophagosome-lysosome fusion.
Brain metabolic-functional (de)coupling: from health to glioma dysfunction
Authors: Vallini Giulia , Baron Giorgia , Silvestri Erica , Volpi Tommaso , Vlassenko Andrei , Goyal Manu , Chiuso Alessandro , Cecchin Diego , Corbetta Maurizio , Bertoldo Alessandra
Published: November 2024

The intricate interplay between metabolism and neuronal function plays a pivotal role in facilitating the human brain's adaptive engagement in cognitively demanding processes1. Although many studies have examined the large-scale coupling between glucose metabolism, using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and resting-state fMRI activity, they often overlook the BOLD signal's sensitivity to hemodynamic confounders and the brain's dynamic nature2–6. To address these limitations, we propose using effective connectivity, decomposing it into a symmetric partial covariance, capturing the “true” statistical dependencies between two regions after controlling for all other regions, and an antisymmetric differential covariance, revealing the directional flow of brain dynamics. Here we investigate the neuro-metabolic associations governing brain function, demonstrating that partial covariance is related to metabolic connectivity2, i.e., the relationship between metabolic signals of different brain areas, while node directionality relates to standardized uptake value ratio, a proxy for local glucose consumption. Moreover, we show how the nature of the effective-metabolic (de)coupling is tied to the anatomical location of brain tumors, reinforcing the notion that glioma progression induces multimodal dysfunctions.
This study pioneers the characterization of the mechanisms underlying brain metabolism and the associated functional behaviour during resting-state, in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Underwater localization system for marine seismic air gun arrays validated through robotics
Authors: Jurado Ulises Tronco , Wilson Peter , Blondel Philippe , Bartin Andrew , Walker-Doyle Greg
Published: November 2024

Marine ocean mapping of the seafloor and subsurface has been applied globally for commercial and scientific purposes. In ocean exploration, air guns are the most commonly adopted marine seismic source due to several advantageous characteristics and operability considerations. However, factors such as harsh ocean environment conditions and high compressed air pressure (~ 13 MPa) released by air guns during operation cause downtime and low-quality data acquisition during marine surveys. Therefore, developing a system that can track the position of an air gun in real-time operation is critical. For this reason, this research work focuses on an alternative underwater system for tracking the trajectory position of an air gun in operation, developed and tested; this system comprises an integrated low-cost inertial/acoustic sensor system employing sensor fusion aiming to acquire high-quality seismic data. The system comprises an inertial motion unit (IMU), a low-cost high-performance acoustic modem and a depth sensor. An extended Kalman filter using a robot operating system (ROS) was utilized for the development of the localization algorithm. The precision of the proposed air gun localization system is within the precision range of 0.2-3 m of the most common localization system based on 2 GPS antennas used to detect air guns. Within the maximum allowable positioning error of 2 m for air gun strings, the tolerances for seismic data acquisition are acceptable. These findings are promising for the future integration of the system into air gun arrays to facilitate real-time trajectory position estimation during marine seismic surveys. As a result, the integration of the trajectory position estimates of air guns into marine seismic data acquired during surveys is expected to enhance the quality of the data. This will have a direct impact on reducing marine seismic exploration times and reducing the effects that could be potentially caused, due to long marine surveys in marine life.
Recycling textile waste through pulp and paper technologies
Authors: Desnoes Eric , Lagloire Merveille , Arnaud Benjamin , Deshaies Pascale , Castellanos Wendy Rodriguez , Venne Camille , Bideau Benoit
Published: November 2024

Recovered textile scraps have been successfully converted into a pulp slurry for moulded pulp and papermaking applications. Thus, textile fibres morphology has been investigated at different refining time, from 30 to 120 minutes. Fiber length was reduced from 1.2mm to 0.5mm. In addition, textile refining increased fines fibers proportion from 9.2–24.5% and fibre fibrillation from 3.0–3.7%. Later, sets of handsheets were produced with various refining time. Textile pulp refining increased the resulting sheet mechanical properties. Consequently, burst index was increased from 1.2 to 7.6 kPa.m2/g and the tear index was increased from 6.5 to 21.8mNm2/g. However, after 90min of refining, textile handsheets demonstrated lower mechanical strength due to over refining. Over refining resulted in fibre length reduction and a high fines fibers content. Through refining, it was observed that the dyes on the recovered textiles was leaking. The b* value (blueness) was reduced with refining from − 22.2 to -18.6. Subsequently fixing dyes on fibres with pulp and paper fixatives products were investigated. Thus, white water absorbance at λ = 273 nm was reduced from 0.64 to 0.10 using these agents. The refined pulp was later used to manufacture moulded pulp products to demonstrate a possible industrial application for textile residues recovery.
The Status of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in the War-Ridden Tigrai, Ethiopia: A descriptive study benchmarking the Competency Framework
Authors: Weldu Meresa Gebremedhin , Adhana Mache Tsadik , Asgedom Akeza Awalom , Woldearegay Haftom Gebrehiwot , Tequare Mengistu Hagazi , Gebrekidan Gebregziabher Berihu , Bereket Tedros , Ebrahim Mohamedawel Mohamednigus , Meles Gebrekiros Gebremichael , Berhe Abadi Kidanemariam , Tesfau Yemane Berhane , Gebretsadik Gebremedhin Gebreegzabiher , Berhe Muzey Gebremichael , Gebretnsae Hailay , Debesay Micheale Hagos , Esayas Rieye , Ameha Mebrahtom Hafte , Hidru Hagos Degefa
Published: November 2024

Background: Public health emergency preparedness and readiness stand for quickly obtaining and effectively using relevant information and resources to improve the efficiency of emergency response to minimize harm and negative impacts. Ethiopia has been used to pursue health emergency procedures for decades; however, there is a paucity of scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess public health emergency preparedness and response benchmarking in the competency framework within the local context during the postwar period in Tigrai, Ethiopia.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out using semi-structured piloted interviewer-administered tools extracted from the core domains of the competency framework to collect the necessary data. The study included 110 randomly selected health institutions (primary hospitals, N=9; health centers, N=23; health posts, N=54; and district health offices, N=24. An Open Data Kit was used to collect the data, which were then exported to SPSS version 27 for data analysis. Finally, the overall status of preparedness and readiness was classified as low if the percentage score was 33%-66.6% and high if it was 66.7%-100%. The data are presented in text narratives, graphs and tables.
Results: More than half (53.1%) of the district health offices, 54.6% of the primary hospitals, and 52.2% of the health centers in the study area have no specific health emergency plans. Similarly, more than half (53.1%) of the districts, 52.2% of the health centers and 66.6% of the primary hospitals did not report outbreak-prone diseases. More than fifty-six percent of the health centers, 59.4% of the districts and almost two-thirds (66.6%) of the primary hospitals reported that they failed to investigate and treat the outbreaks observed in the study area.
Conclusions: The current findings revealed that primary health care units, along with district health offices, were challenged in maintaining basic health emergency preparedness and readiness. Disease surveillance, readiness and response with a collaborative and coordinated action of the region and stakeholders was unacceptably low. Thus, strengthening supervision, proper health emergency planning, digitalizing swift reporting activities and establishing functional regional links through intensified training of health professionals at all levels of health services are recommended.
Analysis of the Dynamic Behavior of Onboard Rotors in Non-Linear Regimes Under the Influence of Parametric Uncertainties
Authors: Trevilato Thales RB , Cavallini Aldemir , Steffen Valder
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, a significant advance in the understanding of the dynamic behavior of rotors has been observed, including the capacity to model and forecast the physical behavior of these systems. The emergence of novel applications seeks to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness maintaining safe operating conditions and pushing rotating systems to their limits. Therefore, this contribution presents a combined numerical and experimental investigation of the nonlinear behavior exhibited by rotating systems subjected to base excitations. A comprehensive model incorporates nonlinear behavior resulting from large displacements as derived from the Lagrange's equations and the finite element (FE) method. The deterministic model is extended to encompass bearings with stochastic stiffness. A rotating machine with a flexible shaft, a rigid disk, and supported by two bearings is evaluated. A dedicated test bench was used to compare the vibration responses obtained by using the implemented mathematical model with the experimental measurements. The obtained results demonstrate the representativeness of the considered FE model.
Morphoanatomy and leaf biomass production in Espeletia standleyana A.C.Sm. and Espeletia santanderensis A.C.Sm. in a Northeastern Colombian paramo
Authors: Reyes Jimmy , Murcia Miguel , Rada Fermín , Mantilla Emoelio , Ochoa Patricia
Published: November 2024

To characterize the spatial segregation of two Espeletia standleyana and E. santanderensis populations, in a paramo in Northeastern Colombia (3350 m), the adaptive responses in each of their corresponding microclimates were studied. Their anatomical, morphofunctional and leaf biomass characteristics were determined and compared. The depth of the stomatal crypts, number of vascular bundles, leaf and peduncle xylem vessel diameters, thickness of the mesophyll, leaf area, rosette height and diameter, leaf water content, leaf area index and leaf biomass were significantly higher in E. standleyana (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, diameter of the vascular bundles, width of stomatal crypts, number of leaves, specific leaf area and percentage of sclerophylly were higher in E. santanderensis (P < 0.05). Leaf biomass was estimated from the leaf area index for the two species, suggesting the latter as an efficient measure of productivity. Multifactorial segregation indicated highly differential expressions in their morphofunctional and leaf biomass characteristics, evidencing adaptations to their microhabitats. E. standleyana showed xeromorphic characters in response to the greater ambient fluctuations typical of the paramo. While E. santanderensis responded with scleromorphic traits related to lower soil organic matter and water content, characteristic of the high Andean forest-paramo ecotone. The high spatial heterogeneity of the paramos allows the development of microclimatic and edaphic mosaics that determine population segregation of these growth forms.
IntroductionQuality of Life and its associated factors among Patient with Dementia Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Geriatric Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Authors: Manaf Mohd Rizal Abdul , Firdaus Misra Helma , Ter Nur Fairuz Md
Published: November 2024

Background
Dementia is major cause of disability and dependency in patients around the world. The studies report a high level of burden in caring for patient with dementia (PWD), especially in the Malaysian culture-norm. This study aimed to assess the four domains of Quality of Life (QoL) of caregivers for PWDs in Kuala Lumpur.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 202 dementia caregivers recruited from the Geriatric Memory Clinic at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The WHO QoL -BREF Malay version was used to assess the participants' QoL. Multivariate regression models were conducted to establish predictors of caregivers QoL, including caregivers’ sociodemographic characteristics.
Results
Male caregivers, working, and had stable monthly income had better median QoL scores in all three domains physical 69.00 (25.00), psychological 69.00 (32.00), social 72.00 (44.00), and environment 69.00 (44.00) with p-value (< 0.005). Caregivers in the public and private sectors are a major predictor of QoL score, with an adjusted coefficient of ‘high score’ ranging from 0.24 to 0.25 for environmental QoL and ‘lower score’ for the Chinese race, with an adjusted coefficient of -0.22 for environmental QoL. Caregivers such as female, spouses, lower education, provided care for a longer period and unemployed experienced a higher level of physical, emotional, social, and environmental distress leads to a lower QoL.
Conclusions
The current study provides important insights into the QoL of caregivers for PWDs in Malaysia. Factors positively influencing the four domains of QoL include being male, having a relative relationship with the patient, working in the private sector, and collaborating with a spouse in caregiving responsibilities. Conversely, being female, serving as a spouse caregiver, identifying as Chinese or Hindu, and providing care for a longer duration are associated with a decrease in QoL. In the context of Malaysia's unique cultural and social landscape, it is essential to recognize and address the challenges faced by caregivers. Supporting caregivers through educational programs and resources that enhance their physical, psychological, social, and environmental well-being is critical for improving QOL outcomes associated with caregiving for individuals with dementia.
Whole genome-sequence analysis of Bacillus subtilis strain KC14-1 with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Chen Yanhan , Yang Shunyi , Zhou Yi , Yang Chengde
Published: November 2024

Background
Bacillus is utilized as a biological control agent in agricultural production. The main mechanisms accountable for the biocontrol activity encompass the generation of various antifungal active substances during life activities, competition, antagonism with pathogens, promotion of growth and induction of plant resistance, thereby enhancing the inhibition of pathogenic fungi. It is regarded as having high biological control potential and has turned into a research hotspot.
Results
We found that strain KC14-1 had significant inhibitory effects on Fusarium Fujikuroi, Rhizoclonia Solani, Alternaria Solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Valsa mali. Based on morphological observations, physiological and biochemical determinations, and 16S rRNA, gyrA, and gyrB gene sequencing, strain KC14-1 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Whole gene sequencing results showed that the genome of strain KC14-1 was composed of a ring chromosome 3908079 bp in size, with a GC content of 43.82%, and 3895 coding genes. Anti-SMASH predicted that the genome of strain KC14-1 contained nine gene clusters that synthesised antibacterial substances. The homology between fengycin, bacillibactin, pulcherriminic acid, subtilosin A, and bacilysin was 100%.
Conclusion
The biocontrol potential of Bacillus subtilis KC14-1 was determined through whole-genome analysis. Our study provides a solid foundation for the development and utilisation of this strain.
Optimizing Ambulance Location Based on Road Accident Data in Rwanda Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Bahati Gatembo , Masabo Emmanuel
Published: November 2024

Background
The optimal placement of ambulances is critical for ensuring timely emergency medical responses, especially in regions with high accident frequencies. In Rwanda, where road accidents are a leading cause of injury and death, the strategic positioning of ambulances can significantly reduce response times and improve survival rates. The national records of Rwanda reveal a rising trend in the number of road accidents and deaths. In 2020, there were 4203 road traffic crashes throughout Rwanda with 687 deaths, data from 2021 demonstrated 8639 road traffic crashes with 655 deaths. Then in 2022 national statistics indicated 10,334 crushes with 729 deaths. The study used emergency response and road accident data collected by Rwanda Biomedical Centre in two fiscal years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 consolidated with the administrative boundary of Rwandan sectors (shapefiles).
Methods
The main objective was to optimize ambulance locations based on road accident data using machine learning algorithms. The methodology of this study used the random forest model to predict emergency response time and k-means clustering combined with linear programming to identify optimal hotspots for ambulance locations in Rwanda.
Results
Random forest yields an accuracy of 94.3%, and positively classified emergency response time as 926 fast and 908 slow. K-means clustering combined with optimization technique has grouped accident locations into two clusters and identified 58 optimal hotspots (stations) for ambulance locations in different regions of Rwanda with an average distance of 10840.59 meters of ambulance station to the nearest accident location.
Conclusion
Machine learning may identify hidden information that standard statistical approaches cannot, the developed model for random forest and k-means clustering combined with linear programming reveals a strong performance for optimizing ambulance location using road accident data.
Second-neighbor hopping effects on the dynamics of breathers in 2D quantum ultracold atoms loaded in optical lattices
Authors: Djoufack Zacharie Isidore , Nguenang Jean Pierre , Kenfack-Jiotsa Aurélin
Published: November 2024

We explore analytically and numerically the dual role played bythe second-neighbor hopping on the modulation instability and onthe dynamics of breathers in 2D quantum ultracold atoms loaded inoptical lattices. Via the linear stability analysis, it is shownthat the dispersion relation formed exhibits intriguing forms. Itis found that, the existence conditions of appearance of themodulational intability (MI) regions and the growth rate may besignificantly affected by the second neighbor hopping couplingstrength. To support the analytical studies, direct numericalsimulations of MI is carried out to show the generation of a trainof short waves exhibiting periodic W-shaped and V-shaped solitonswith decreasing amplitude as time evolves. The emergence ofbreathers in the regions where the MI manifests is predicted to beinfluenced by the second neighbor hopping coupling strength. Bymaking use of Rayleigh-Ritz variational method and in agreementwith the MI analysis, the analytical results reveal the existenceof the radial symmetric modes called the dynamics of breathers.The accuracy of the outcomes is checked by numerical calculationswhich show a good agreement with the theoretical analysis.
METTL9 mediated N1-Histidine Methylation of SLC39A7 Confers Ferroptosis Resistance and Inhibits Adipogenic Differentiation in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Jin Jiahao , Li Quanfeng , Zhang Yunhui , Ji Pengfei , Wang Xinlang , Zhang Yibin , Yuan Zihao , Jiang Jianan , Tian Guangqi , Cai Mingxi , Feng Pei , Wu Yanfeng , Wang Peng , Liu Wenjie
Published: November 2024

Osteoporosis is a prevalent systemic metabolic disease, and an imbalance in the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) plays a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Thus, elucidating the mechanisms that regulate MSC lineage allocation is urgently needed. METTL9 was recently characterized as a novel N1-histidine methyltransferase that performs a wide range of functions. however, the role of METTL9 in the imbalance of MSC differentiation in osteoporosis remains unclear. In this study, we found that METTL9 expression was downregulated in osteoporosis, and further adipogenic functional experiments revealed that METTL9 negatively regulated the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, METTL9 mediated methylation of SLC39A7 at the His45 and His49 residues suppressed ferroptosis through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress regulatory pancreatic ER kinase-like ER kinase (PERK)/ATF4 signaling pathway and the downstream protein SLC7A11. Moreover, SLC7A11 transported cystine for intracellular glutathione synthesis, eliminating intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibiting MSC adipogenic differentiation. Additionally, METTL9 overexpression significantly alleviated bone loss in ovariectomy (OVX) model mice. In summary, our results suggest that the METTL9/SLC39A7 axis may be a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
Risk factors for the persistence of unruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms treated with flow diverters
Authors: Han Jiangli , Li Xiaobo , Niu Hao , Lin Long , Liu Aihua , Xia Ying
Published: November 2024

Flow diverters (FDs) have been employed in the treatment of unruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (IVADAs), yielding seemingly favorable outcomes. However, a subset of patients continues to experience aneurysm persistence after FD treatment, which may predispose them to recurrent symptoms or complications. This study aims to explore the risk factors associated with the persistence of unruptured IVADAs that have undergone treatment with FDs. The study encompassed 77 unruptured IVADAs from 75 consecutive patients who received treatment with FDs. At a median follow-up of 13 months, 31.2% (24/77) of IVADAs exhibited persistence. Upon multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant pre-procedural stenosis adjacent to aneurysmal dilatation (odds ratio [OR] 17.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.01–144.24, p = 0.009) and posterior inferior cerebellar artery involvement (OR 7.06, 95% CI 1.40–35.50, p = 0.018) were independently associated with aneurysm persistence; while follow-up duration (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.97, p = 0.005) was adversely associated with aneurysm persistence. Significant pre-procedural stenosis adjacent to aneurysmal dilatation and posterior inferior cerebellar artery involvement could serve as independent risk factors contributing to the persistence of unruptured IVADAs after FD treatment.
Women’s Lived Experience with Hysterectomy secondary to uterine prolapse and uterine rupture at Gedeo zone, Ethiopia. A phenomenological qualitative study
Authors: Bekele Etaferaw , Amenu Gedefa , Temesgen Tesfaye , Bekele Tesfanew , Figa Zerihun , Assefa Dawit Getachew
Published: November 2024

Background
Uterine rupture is a life-threatening obstetric emergency requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent maternal death or severe morbidity. Hysterectomy, often performed in response to uterine rupture and uterovaginal prolapse, is the most common gynecologic surgery in such cases. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women who underwent hysterectomy secondary to uterine rupture and uterovaginal prolapse.
Methodology:
A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted among hysterectomized women at Dilla University Referral Hospital in 2020. Using purposive sampling, data were collected through structured in-depth interviews, supplemented by field notes, and audio recordings. A manual thematic analysis was employed to examine the data, and findings were presented in both text and table form.
Results
Thirteen women participated in the study, sharing their post-hysterectomy experiences due to uterine rupture and uterovaginal prolapse. Their narratives were categorized into three key themes: (1) limitations in daily activities, (2) reproductive and sexual health concerns, and (3) psychosocial burdens from societal and familial expectations. Common challenges included pain during movement, inability to lift heavy objects, anxiety about infertility, and significant psychological and social distress.
Conclusion
Women who undergo hysterectomy due to uterine rupture and prolapse face significant physical, reproductive, and emotional challenges. Comprehensive post-surgical care and support are crucial. Addressing these needs can improve their quality of life.
Coherence resonance, parameter estimation and self-regulation in a thermal sensitive neuron
Authors: Guo Qun , Zhou Ping , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhu Zhigang
Published: November 2024

In this work, two capacitors connected by a thermistor are used to explore the electrical property of double-layer membrane in a neuron, which the membrane property is sensitive to changes of temperature and two capacitive variables are used to measure the potentials for inner and outer membrane. The circuit characteristic and energy definition for the neural circuit and its equivalent neuron model in oscillator form are clarified from physical aspect. Considering the shape deformation of cell membrane under external physical stimuli and energy injection, intrinsic parameters of the neuron can be controlled with adaptive growth under energy flow, an adaptive control law is proposed to regulate the firing modes accompanying with energy shift. In presence of noisy excitation, coherence resonance can be induced and confirmed by taming the noise intensity carefully. The distributions of CV (coefficient variability) and average energy value < H > vs. noise intensity provide a feasible way to predict the coherence resonance and even stochastic resonance in the neural activities. Adaptive parameter observers are designed to identify the unknown parameters in this neuron model. Our results are helpful to design thermal-sensitive artificial membrane and neural circuit by injecting thermosensitive medium between capacitor plates.
A Hybrid Ontology-Based Feature SelectionFramework for Enhancing Predictive Accuracy inRegression Models
Authors: Ayad Sarah , Mallouhy Roxane , Guyeux Christophe
Published: November 2024

Predicting firefighter interventions presents a complex challenge due to the high dimensionality and intricacy of the data. While machine learning (ML) technologies offer promising solutions, ineffective feature selection can significantly hinder model performance and reduce predictive accuracy. This study proposes a hybrid feature selection approach that combines ontology-based reasoning with traditional ML techniques to enhance the predictive accuracy of regression models for firefighter interventions. We utilized three machine learning algorithms—XGBoost, LightGBM, and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks—across two feature selection strategies: one solely based on ML algorithms, and another using a hybrid approach that integrates ontology-based centrality metrics, such as degree, closeness, and betweenness, with ML techniques. A domain-specific ontology was developed to capture key environmental, temporal, and intervention-related factors, improving the feature selection process for more interpretable and contextually relevant features. The results clearly show that the hybrid feature selection approach consistently outperforms the ML-only method. For the XGBoost model, the hybrid approach resulted in an R2 of 0.976, compared to 0.97 for the ML-only method. The LSTM model also saw improvements, with the hybrid approach achieving an R2 of 0.964, compared to 0.96 for ML-only. Similarly, for the LightGBM model, the hybrid approach produced an R2 of 0.975, compared to 0.97 for ML-only. This research underscores the significant advantages of combining ontology-based feature selection with ML, leading to improved predictive accuracy and better model interpretability, particularly in high-dimensional data environments.
SELF-QMM: An Self-directed Model Based-on Extended Q-Learning and Markov Model to Estimate MTTF in Multiprocessor Platform of Embedded Systems
Authors: Kavosi Daruosh , Karimi Abbas , Zarafshan Faraneh
Published: November 2024

Computers, multiprocessor platforms on a chip (MPSoC) and embedded systems have many applications in the military, security, medical, and space industries. Improving reliability and trust in these systems is very important. By improving reliability in multiprocessor and embedded systems, their efficiency and performance will increase. Multi-processor platforms in embedded systems (EMMPSoC) can perform sensitive and critical tasks by communicating with each other; But in the execution process, they may encounter errors and problems in the processing. The existence of errors and problems in the execution process, temperature and heat generation, high energy consumption, unfavorable execution time, etc. in these systems leads to a decrease in reliability and the occurrence of irreparable events. One of the most important challenges in MPSoC is improving reliability. The reliability of these systems can be increased by estimating the Mean Time to Failure (MTTF). In this research, a Self-directed Model based-on Clipping Double Q-Learning (CDQL) and extended Markov model (EMM) and meta-heuristic MUO algorithm (Self -QMM) to estimate the average failure time in EMMPSoC systems. has been raised The CDQL has been used to predict the critical time in MPSoC systems and the developed Markov model has been used to select the appropriate processor. By simulating the proposed Self-QMM model, it has been improved that the energy consumption in the Self-QMM model is 50, 27 and 14 kJ, respectively, compared with the latest proposed methods such as FIS, FNN-NSGA-II and MUO method, the temperature production rate and temperatures have improved by 45.4, 22.9 and 9.9 degrees Celsius and the execution time by 0.16 minutes (9.6 s), 0.09 minutes (5.4 s) and 0.08 minutes (4.8 s).
Early detection and correction of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing colorectal surgery – a prospective study
Authors: de Wit Anne , Bootsma Boukje T. , Huisman Daitlin E. , Kazemier Geert , Daams Freek
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Preoperative anemia is an important target in preventing colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL). However, it is not consistently detected and corrected in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of early detection and correction of preoperative anemia on perioperative outcomes and CAL.
Methods
This was a prospective sub-analysis of the DoubleCheck study, an international open-labelled trial which implemented an enhanced care bundle to prevent CAL after elective colorectal surgeries. It introduced interventions for early detection and correction of preoperative anemia. Primary outcome was the incidence of preoperative anemia and the effect of early correction. Secondary outcomes included the impact on CAL, postoperative course, and mortality.
Results
The study included 899 patients across eight European hospitals (September 2021 - December 2023). Preoperative anemia was identified in 35.0% (n = 315) of participants, with 77.4% (n = 192) receiving iron therapy. Hemoglobin levels decreased in 4.2% (n = 13), remained stable in 45.8% (n = 143), and increased in 50.0% (n = 156) (p < 0.001). Perioperative hyperglycemia was more common among anemic patients (7.8% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.001). CAL occurred in 6.1% (n = 53) of the patients. Anemia correction and changes in hemoglobin levels after iron treatment were not significantly associated with CAL, other complications, or mortality.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that anemia indicates overall poor physiological fitness rather than being an isolated risk factor. Early detection and correction of preoperative anemia is achievable and improves quality of care for elective colorectal surgery patients.
Trial number
NCT05250882 (20-01-2022)
Enhanced Second Harmonic Generation through DNA-Integrated Plasmonic Nanoparticles - A Novel Nonlinear Optical Approach
Authors: tootoonchi Atro , Karamdel Javad , Naderi Ebadollah , Olyaee Hassan Ghalami Bavil
Published: November 2024

This study presents the development of advanced plasmonic nanoparticles specifically designed to amplify Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) signals. The core of this innovative approach lies in the strategic integration of gold and silver nanoparticles with DNA, a synergy meticulously tailored to exploit DNA's exceptional nonlinear optical properties alongside the plasmonic resonances of gold and silver. Unlike traditional plasmonic materials, such as graphene, silicon, and metals themselves, our design leverages DNA not just as a structural element but as a dynamic enhancer of SHG due to its unparalleled photon absorption and interaction capabilities at the nanoscale. Through advanced DNA-based modeling and simulation, we introduce a novel nanoparticle architecture optimized to surpass current SHG efficiency benchmarks, without incorporating gas sensing functionalities. This breakthrough not only signifies a significant leap in the field of nonlinear optics but also opens new avenues for the application of biomolecular components in enhancing plasmonic phenomena.
End-to-End Semantically Aware Tactile Generation
Authors: Dastjerdi Mohammad Mahdi Heydari , Akkasi Abbas , Djani Hilaire , Mehta Aatreyi Pranavbhai , Komeili Majid
Published: November 2024

Tactile graphics are an essential tool for conveying visual information to visually impaired individuals. However, translating 2D plots, such as B´ezier curves, polygons, and bar charts, into an effective tactile format remains a challenge. This paper presents a novel, two-stage deep learning pipeline for automating this conversion process.Our method leverages a Pix2Pix architecture, employing a U-Net++ generatornetwork for robust image generation. To improve the perceptual quality of the tactilerepresentations, we incorporate an adversarial perceptual loss function alongside agradient penalty. The pipeline operates in a sequential manner: firstly, convertingthe source plot into a grayscale tactile representation, followed by a transformationinto a channel-wise equivalent.We evaluate the performance of our model on a comprehensive synthetic datasetconsisting of 20,000 source-target pairs encompassing various 2D plot types. Toquantify performance, we utilize fuzzy versions of established metrics like pixel accuracy, Dice coefficient, and Jaccard index. Additionally, a human study is conductedto assess the visual quality of the generated tactile graphics.The proposed approach demonstrates promising results, significantly streamliningthe conversion of 2D plots into tactile graphics. This paves the way for the development of fully automated systems, enhancing accessibility of visual information forvisually impaired individuals.
Enhanced Radiative Cooling by Large Aerosol Particles from Pyrocumulonimbus
Authors: Li Yaowei , Dykema John , Peterson David , Feng Xu , Shen Xiaoli , June Nicole , Fromm Michael , McHardy Theodore , Jacquot Justin , Pittman Jasna , Daube Bruce , Wofsy Steven , Dean-Day Jonathan , Rapp Anita , Bowman Kenneth , Cziczo Daniel , Mickley Loretta , Pierce Jeffrey , Keutsch Frank
Published: November 2024

Large wildfires can generate pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) clouds that transport substantial amounts of smoke into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UT/LS), perturbing aerosol budget and properties in these regions. Despite projections of increasing pyroCb events in the future, their climate impact, particularly the radiative forcing of smoke aerosols, remains poorly constrained, primarily due to limited direct measurements. Here we present aircraft measurements of aerosols and gases within 5-day-old pyroCb smoke plumes from a New Mexico wildfire, sampled at altitudes of 14-15 km. The aerosols, primarily organic biomass burning particles, exhibited an unusually large number-mode diameter of 500-600 nm. Microphysical simulations suggest that such large aerosols can form through combinations of cloud processing and coagulation in the relatively stable UT/LS environment. These large pyroCb aerosols increase outgoing radiation (aerosol-only perturbation) by 30-36% compared to typical non-pyroCb smoke aerosols with mode diameters of 200-300 nm, causing an instantaneous enhancement in cooling of the atmospheric column. Many climate models use smaller aerosol sizes for smoke than those observed for pyroCb aerosols, potentially underestimating the radiative cooling effects of pyroCb events. With a rising prevalence of pyroCb aerosols in a warming climate, accurately representing their size and optical properties in climate models is crucial.
Spin Hall and Edelstein Effects in Novel Chiral Noncollinear Altermagnets
Authors: Vergniory Maia , Hu Mengli , Janson Oleg , Felser Claudia , McClarty Paul , Brink Jeroen van den
Published: November 2024

Altermagnets are a newly discovered class of magnetic phases that combine the spin polarization behavior of ferromagnetic band structures with the vanishing net magnetization characteristic of antiferromagnets. Initially proposed for collinear magnets, the concept has since been extended to include certain non-collinear structures. A recent development in Landau theory for collinear altermagnets incorporates spin-space symmetries, providing a robust framework for identifying this class of materials. Here we expand on that theory to identify altermagnetic multipolar order parameters in non-collinear chiral materials. We demonstrate that the interplay between non-collinear altermagnetism and chirality allows for spatially odd multipole components, leading to non-trivial spin textures on Fermi surfaces and unexpected transport phenomena, even in the absence of SOC. This makes such chiral altermagnets fundamentally different from the well-known SOC-driven Rashba-Edelstein and spin Hall effects used for 2D spintronics. Choosing the chiral topological magnetic material Mn3IrSi as a case study, we apply toy models and first-principles calculations to predict experimental signa- tures, such as large spin-Hall and Edelstein effects, that have not been previously observed in altermagnets. These findings pave the way for a new realm of spintronics applications based on spin-transport properties of chiral altermagnets.
Cell type-specific functions of the PBAF chromatin-remodeling complex in neuronal diversification
Authors: Osuma Anthony , Li Yinan , Taylor Seth , Prahlad Manasa , Mathies Laura , Kratsios Paschalis
Published: November 2024

The mammalian SWI/SNF family of chromatin remodelers includes the BAF and PBAF complexes, mutations in which cause various neurodevelopmental conditions. Although BAF activity is required at multiple steps of nervous system development, the specific neural functions of PBAF remain largely unexplored. Through an unbiased genetic screen in C. elegans, we identify here critical roles for PBAF in postmitotic neuronal identity. In nerve cord motor neurons (MNs), PBAF represses gene expression by antagonizing the terminal selector-type transcription factor UNC-3 (EBF1-4). In contrast, PBAF activates gene expression in posteriorly located MNs. This dichotomy in PBAF function generates distinct MN identities. Genetic evidence suggests that the cell type-specific functions of PBAF in different MN groups arise via its recruitment to specific gene loci by conserved transcription factors. Altogether, our findings provide a conceptual framework to understand specific neuronal defects that arise in neurological conditions caused by mutations in broadly expressed chromatin-remodeling complexes.
Determining heavy metal in road dust and human health assessment in Aizawl, Mizoram
Authors: Mualchin Lalropeki , Lalrinpuii Hilda
Published: November 2024

The study aims to assess the concentrations of heavy metals in road dust from different land uses in Aizawl, Mizoram, by implementing a methodology that includes descriptive statistics (mean, median, and standard deviation), one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Enrichment and contamination factors were also determined to identify the sources and level of pollution in the study area. The health risks for children and adults were assessed based on established guidelines. From the study, the concentrations of heavy metals ranged as follows: Cr (18.19 to 36.28 mg/kg), Pb (20.64 to 27.12 mg/kg), Cd (-1 to 0.06 mg/kg), Ni (32.32 to 47.91 mg/kg), Cu (-0.51 to 32.49 mg/kg), and Zn (30.80 to 119.84 mg/kg). The highest Ni concentration was found in the agricultural area (47.91 mg/kg), possibly due to jhum cultivation practices. When compared with the background values, the levels of Cr and Cu were lower, while Pb, Ni, and Zn exceeded the background values by 94.66%, 41.47%, and 228.54%, respectively, indicating contamination due to anthropogenic activities. A one-way ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference in the concentration of heavy metal across various land use areas. Except for Pb, the ecological risk assessment indicated a low level of risk. Cr and Pb showed a risk associated with non-carcinogenic effects on humans, especially in children, while the other elements were within safe levels. Proper management and safety measures were still needed to improve the environmental impact and the health of the individuals living in the area.