bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Open-Source Platform to Guide Implementation of the Postnatal Growth Charts for Preterm Infants
Authors: Chou Fu-Sheng
Published: November 2023

Background
Determining adequate growth in preterm infants poses challenges due to limited assessment tools. The American Academy of Pediatrics' goal to achieve postnatal growth approximating intrauterine growth lacks clear physiological and clinical support. Recently, Chou et al. aimed to characterize postnatal growth of preterm infants, and revealed distinct postnatal growth trajectories, challenging prior goals of assimilating intrauterine growth. Specifically, the study analyzed 89,218 preterm infants born between 2010 and 2020, grouped by sex and gestational age, and identified three phases of postnatal growth. This project aims to develop digital applications and interface to provide target audience with convenient access to the postnatal growth models for clinical, research, quality improvement use.
Implementation
Given the number of models developed to cover a wide range of gestational age groups, the Postnatal Growth Charts for Preterm Infants can only be used in a digital format. The open-source framework targeted neonatal care providers, researchers, and families, allowing growth chart access for clinical, research, and quality improvement purposes. The implementation of trajectory percentile calculation as well as various downstream applications will aide neonatal providers in growth prediction, growth goal-setting, post-illness nutrition guidance, and facilitating growth chart transitions when the infants reach term-equivalent age.
Conclusions
The web-based applications and application programming interface functions may serve clinical, research, and programming needs, and encourage an institutional electron health records integration. By offering realistic references, facilitating peer-to-peer comparisons, and acknowledging measurement errors, this tool empowers neonatal care providers to monitor preterm infant growth more confidently. Using the Postnatal Growth Charts of Preterm Infants may support personalized nutrition regimens and minimize long-term health risks. The open-source nature encourages widespread utilization and may further innovations in neonatal care and research.
On the hierarchical relationship between type II radio bursts and the associated coronal mass ejections
Authors: Teklu T. , Gopalswamy N. , Mäkelä P. , Yashiro S. , Akiyama S. , Xie H.
Published: November 2023

Using type II radio bursts from Wind/WAVES and the associated coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from SOHO/LASCO, Gopalswamy et al. (2005) found a hierarchical relationship between the wavelength range of the type II bursts and CME kinetic energy. Under ‘DH (Decametric-Hectometric) Type II bursts’, they have included m (metric)-DH, pure DH and DH-km bursts. In this work, we consider the pure DH, m-DH and DH-km (kilometric) subsets separately. We find that CMEs associated with DH-km type II bursts have the largest values of average speed, non-halo width, mass, and halo fraction. CMEs associated with m-DH type II bursts have a slightly larger average speed and mass than those causing pure DH type II bursts. CMEs associated with m-DH and pure DH type II bursts have slightly a lower speed and halo fraction compared to those associated with the combined set of DH type II bursts in Gopalswamy et al. (2005), while CMEs causing the DH-km type II bursts have even larger values of CME parameters. DH-km type II burst associated CMEs have the largest solar energetic particles (SEPs) association compared to m-DH and pure DH type II burst associated CMEs. The DH-km type II burst associated CMEs SEP association is slightly smaller than that of Gopalswamy et al. (2005) m-km type II burst associated CMEs. The CMEs associated with major SEP have a larger average speed than the pure DH and m-DH CMEs but smaller than the DH-km CMEs.
Investigating the effects of trochoidal milling parameters on the waviness and surface roughness of P20 alloy steel slots: Analytical and Experimental
Authors: Wagih Mohamed , Maher Ibrahem , Hassan Mohsen Abdelnaeim
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to study, analytically and experimentally, the effects of trochoidal milling parameters on the waviness and the surface roughness of P20 alloy steel slots. The considered process parameters in this paper are the axial depth of cut, trochoidal step, and feed rate, in addition to the slot width. A geometrical analytical model of the tool cutting edges imprints has been developed to explain the of waviness and surface roughness at the slot walls and bottom. Results of this model proved that increasing the slot width significantly reduces the slot walls waviness, while increasing the feed rate or the trochoidal step increases the waviness of the slot left and right walls respectively. The experimental results proved that the axial depth of cut has not a significant effect on the slot walls waviness, and the tool edges imprints have the greatest effect on the bottom surface roughness. The surface roughness of the slot bottom decreases from left to right. Moreover, increasing the feed rate significantly increased the bottom surface roughness by 25%, 29%, and 29% at the left wall, middle, and right wall of the machined slot, respectively. However, increasing the axial depth of cut, significantly increased the bottom surface roughness only at the left wall and the middle of the machined slot by 11% and 19%, respectively. Experimental and analytical results of waviness and surface roughness were in good agreements which verifies the potential of using the developed model to predict the slot surface texture during circular trochoidal milling.
The potential of cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. as the primary producer in the life-support system on Mars
Authors: Ye Tong , Gu Peifan , Zhang Xianyuan , Wang Gaohong
Published: November 2023

Background
Cyanobacteria capable of photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation are considered to be the most promising primary producers of biological life-support systems for Mars exploration, but there is limited information about their survival and growth in space flight or Mars-like environments.
Results
During the HH-21-5 Balloon-Borne Astrobiology Platform flight mission of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nostoc sp. cells were exposed to the Mars-like environment in the stratosphere (35 km altitude) for 2 h in the Temperature-Controlled Biological Samples Exposure Payload. The results showed that the survival rate was high, although analyses did reveal some damage to the cellular metabolic activity and morphology of the experimental samples. Transcriptome analyses revealed that Nostoc sp. activated a set of defense mechanisms under Mars-like radiation levels, which included DNA repair, protein repair of the photosynthetic system, and antioxidant enzymes.
Conclusions
Results suggest that Nostoc sp. has the potential to survive and grow in Mars-like conditions and that it may be a suitable primary producer in future attempts to colonize Mars using cyanobacteria-based biological life-support systems with groundwater available.
Solvable intransitive permutation groups with constant movement
Authors: Rezaei Mehdi , Alaeiyan Mehdi , Foruzanfar Zeinab
Published: November 2023

Let \(G\) be a permutation group on a set \({\Omega }\) without any fixed points in \({\Omega }\). If for \(g\in G\) and for each subset \({\Gamma }\) of \({\Omega }\) the size \(|{{\Gamma }}^{g}-{\Gamma }|\) is bounded, then we define the movement of \(g\) as move\(\left(g\right):={\text{s}\text{u}\text{p}}_{{\Gamma }}|{{\Gamma }}^{g}-{\Gamma }|\). If for every non-identity elements \(g\) and \(h\) of \(G\), move\(\left(g\right)\)=move\(\left(h\right)\), then we say that \(G\) has constant movement. In this paper, we classify all solvable intransitive permutation groups with constant movement.
Free shrimp cocktail for everyone! Trophic relationships of 13 elasmobranchs in Central Patagonia, Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Pasti Alessandra Tatiana , Bovcon Nelson Darío , Rincón-Díaz Martha Patricia , Galván David Edgardo
Published: November 2023

We assessed the trophic roles of 13 medium-sized elasmobranchs in central Patagonia (41°-47°S) by identifying their interspecific relationships and trophic overlap using stomach contents and δ15N and δ13C values. We also conducted a literature review of the available diet information for Argentina. Specimens were collected from the bycatch of the Patagonian red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri trawling fishery and from the sport coastal fishing in areas without trawling. Results showed spatial differences in the diet composition of species between capture sites and from those previous diets reported for Argentina. Trophic levels assessment showed a group of top predators (TP ~ 4) and mesopredators (TP ~ 3.5). Beyond these differences, there was a dietary overlap among almost all elasmobranch species mainly related to the consumption of P. muelleri, an item which had not been reported as a significant prey for several of the studied species. This consumption may be due to the change in prey supply produced by local fisheries' discards and/or to the increased abundance of crustaceans in Central Patagonia during the last decade. These findings underscore the importance of continually updating trophic information in a scenario of global change to contribute with scientific evidence to the development of adaptative management.
Consistent detection of Trypanosoma brucei but not T. congolense DNA in faeces of experimentally-infected cattle
Authors: Saldanha Isabel , Betson Martha , Vrettou Christina , Paxton Edith , Nixon James , Tennant Peter , Ritchie Adrian , Matthews Keith R. , Morrison Liam J. , Torr Stephen J. , Cunningham Lucas J.
Published: November 2023

Animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a significant food security and economic burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Current AAT surveillance tools suffer from poor sensitivity and specificity, with blood sampling requiring animal restraint and trained personnel. Faecal sampling could increase sampling accessibility, scale, and host species range. Therefore, this study assessed feasibility of detecting Trypanosoma DNA in the faeces of experimentally-infected cattle. Holstein-Friesian calves were inoculated with Trypanosoma brucei AnTat 1.1 (n = 5) or T. congolense Savannah IL3000 (n = 6) in separate studies. Faecal and blood samples were collected concurrently over 10 weeks and subsequently screened using species-specific PCR and qPCR assays. T. brucei DNA was successfully detected in 85% of post-inoculation (PI) faecal samples (n = 114/134) by qPCR and 50% by PCR between 4–66 days PI. However, T. congolense DNA was detected in just 3.4% (n = 5/145) of PI faecal samples by qPCR, and none by PCR. These results confirm the ability to consistently detect T. brucei DNA, but not T. congolense DNA, in infected cattle faeces. This disparity may derive from the differences in Trypanosoma species tissue distribution and/or extravasation. Therefore, whilst faeces are a promising potential substrate to screen for T. brucei infection, blood sampling is required to detect T. congolense in cattle.
Alpha Gal Syndrome: A symptomatic presentation in the Emergency Room
Authors: Noor Khutaija , Orren Justin
Published: November 2023

Alpha Gal syndrome or Meat Allergy is a life-threatening delayed condition diagnosed in patients allergic to Galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose after a lone star tick bite. We present a case report of Alpha gal syndrome in a 66-year-old elderly patient in the Emergency Room presenting with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, and hypertension. Early detection is key in this frequently fatal hypersensitivity reaction; this case report emphasizes the diagnostic allergy panel and symptoms after a Lone star tick bite and the need for appropriate education on avoidance of all types of meat and dairy products as they contain galactose-a-1,3- galactose allergen-specific to IgE sensitization. Method: A case report of a patient with Alpha-gal syndrome.
Excessive Internet Use as a Risk Factor for Suicide Ideation Among University Students in Malawi
Authors: Mzumara Thokozani
Published: November 2023

Background Covid 19 has fast-paced the use of technological innovations mainly the internet. However, Internet use can lead to several behavioral and psychological conditions such as cyberbullying and distorted relationships which could lead to suicide ideation. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults. Aim To assess the association between Internet addiction and suicide ideation among university students in Malawi. Furthermore, to assess the factors associated with suicidal thoughts among Malawian college students who surf the World Wide Web. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized secondary research and used data available from https://data.mendeley.com/drafts/xbfbcy5bhv. Internet addiction was measured using the Internet Addiction test. The dependent variable includes suicide ideation. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Out of the 620 participants, 514 (82.2%) were aged between 15–24. The majority were males 401 (64.7%). The mean IAT score was 46.08 (SD = 14.60). The IAT score was 44.81(SD = 13.85) among males and 48.40 (SD = 15.65) among females (p = 0.003). About 341 (55%) of students use the internet excessively. Suicide ideation was prevalent among 101 (16.3%) of the students. Suicide ideation was significantly associated with internet addiction. (p < 0.001). The odds of developing suicidal thoughts increased about 3 times among excessive internet users compared to average users (OR = 2.91, 95% CI [1.213 to 7.018]). However, Age, gender, discipline, and year of study were not associated with suicide ideation. Conclusion The study suggests that internet addiction affects suicide ideation mainly through distorting social relationships. School settings should increase awareness regarding the safe use of the internet to ensure a balance between online and real-life interactions and curb suicide.
The intracellular visualization of exogenous DNA in fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Greitens Christina , Leroux Jean-Christophe , Burger Michael
Published: November 2023

In the development of non-viral gene delivery vectors, it is essential to reliably localize and quantify transfected DNA inside the cell. To track DNA, fluorescence microscopy methods are commonly applied. These mostly rely on fluorescently labeled DNA, DNA binding proteins fused to a fluorescent protein, or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition, co-stainings are often used to determine the colocalization of the DNA in specific cellular compartments, such as the endolysosomes or the nucleus. We provide an overview of these DNA tracking methods, advice on how they should be combined, and indicate which co-stainings or additional methods are required to draw precise conclusions from a DNA tracking experiment. Some emphasis is given to the localization of exogenous DNA inside the nucleus, which is the last step of DNA delivery. We argue that suitable tools which allow for the nuclear detection of faint signals are still missing, hampering the rational development of more efficient non-viral transfection systems.
Expression of Recombinant Stonustoxin Alpha Subunit and Preparation of polyclonal antiserum for Stonustoxin Neutralization Studies
Authors: Hojjati Amir Sajjad Razgi , Nazarian Shahram , Samiei-Abianeh Hossein , kordbache Emad , Aghaie Seyed Mojtaba
Published: November 2023

Stonustoxin (SNTX) is a lethal protein found in stonefish venom, responsible for many of the symptoms associated with stonefish envenomation. To counter stonefish venom challenges, antivenom is a well-established and effective solution. In this study, we aimed to produce the recombinant alpha subunit protein of stonustoxin from Synanceia horrida and prepare antibodies against it. The SNTXα gene sequence was sourced from GenBank and codon-optimized to match the codon usage of E. coli BL21 (DE3). This optimized sequence was synthesized within the pET17b expression vector. IPTG induction triggered the expression of the SNTXα protein, which was subsequently purified using affinity chromatography. Following purification, the protein was subcutaneously injected into rabbits, and antibodies were extracted from rabbits serum using a G protein column. The isolated antibodies were further confirmed using indirect ELISA. As a result of codon optimization, the Codon Adaptation Index (CAI) for the SNTXα cassette increased to 0.94. Predicted structures generated by the I-TASSER server exhibited good quality. SDS-PAGE analysis validated the expression of SNTXα, with a band observed at 73.5 kDa with a yield of 12 mg/L. ELISA results demonstrated rabbits antibody titers detectable up to a 1:256,000 dilution. The isolated antibody from rabbits serum exhibited a concentration of 1.5 mg/ml, and its sensitivity allowed the detection of a minimum protein concentration of 9.7 ng. In conclusion, our study successfully expressed the primary toxic domain of stonustoxin in a prokaryotic host, enabling the production of rabbits antibodies for potential use in developing stonefish antivenom.
Mathematical modeling and analysis of atherosclerosis based on fluid-multilayered poroelastic structure interaction model
Authors: An Yanning , Liu Wenjun
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we establish a new model of atherosclerosis in the early stage based on fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model of blood vessel and prove the existence of weak solutions. The model consists of Navier-Stokes equation, Biot equations, and reaction-diffusion equations, which involves the effect of blood flow velocity on the concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and other biological components. We first divide the new model into a FSI submodel and a coupled reaction-diffusion submodel, respectively. Then, by using Rothe's method and operator splitting numerical scheme, we obtain the existence of weak solution of FSI submodel.
In order to solve the nonlinear term representing the consumption of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), we construct a regular system. The results in FSI submodel together with Schauder's fixed point theorem allow us to obtain the existence of non-negative weak solutions for the reaction-diffusion submodel by showing the existence and non-negativity of weak solutions for the regular system.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: 35Q30, 35M13, 35D30, 74F10.
The Role of Online Social Support Networks in Mitigating Post-Pandemic Psychological Distress Among Women
Authors: Sadiq Alaa M.
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the efficacy of online social support networks in reducing post-pandemic psychological distress among women in Iraq. Conducted on a diverse group of 260 women from various provinces, the research aimed to understand the role these networks play in mental health during the challenging post-pandemic period. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and discussions. The survey focused on assessing levels of psychological distress and the usage of online social support networks. The qualitative aspect delved into personal experiences, exploring how these networks provided emotional support, information, and a sense of community. Findings revealed that online social support networks significantly contributed to mitigating psychological distress among the participants. Women who actively engaged in these networks reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. These platforms provided a crucial outlet for sharing experiences, receiving advice, and maintaining social connections during times of physical distancing. The study also highlighted some challenges, such as the digital divide and privacy concerns, which could hinder the effectiveness of these networks. However, the overall positive impact was evident, especially for women in remote or socially conservative areas, who otherwise have limited access to traditional support systems. In conclusion, the research underscores the importance of online social support networks as valuable tools for mental health support among women in post-pandemic Iraq. It suggests that further investment in digital infrastructure and awareness programs could enhance their accessibility and effectiveness, offering a sustainable approach to mental health care in similar contexts.
Viral Load Dynamics of COVID-19 and Public Health Strategies: Modelling for Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: Sadiq Alaa M.
Published: November 2023

This research paper delves into the interplay between viral load dynamics and the formulation of public health strategies for enhanced pandemic preparedness. By harnessing the capabilities of global epidemiological platforms such as the World Health Organization's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) and Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 Dashboard, our study constructed sophisticated computational models to predict and analyze viral transmission patterns. The study revealed that monitoring fluctuations in community viral loads could act as an early-warning system, prompting pre-emptive public health interventions. Our findings emphasize that interventions tailored to viral load assessments can markedly curb transmission, alleviate healthcare system strains, and reduce pandemic-induced mortality. Key insights from our research advocate for the integration of real-time data from global surveillance platforms into national health strategies to bolster pandemic response initiatives. We highlight the vital role of global data transparency and the swift exchange of viral load information in crafting agile and targeted public health policies. The research underscores the importance of international collaboration in pandemic preparedness, advocating for the establishment of an interconnected global network that leverages viral load dynamics for forecasting outbreaks. By doing so, public health authorities can better anticipate pandemic phases, optimize resource allocation, and implement timely interventions. The predictive models presented here offer a blueprint for decision-makers to strengthen pandemic readiness and protect global health.
The politics of regulating ultra-processed foods for public health: an analysis of Codex standard-setting processes on food labelling
Authors: Boatwright Monique , Lawrence Mark , Carriedo Angela , Slater Scott , McCoy David , Northcott Tanita , Baker Phillip
Published: November 2023

The rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in diets and associated harms to human and planetary health, has prompted calls for regulatory action. This challenges the approach of food regulatory systems that emphasize food safety risks over wider harms to population and ecological health and confronts the interests of a powerful UPF industry. To understand this challenge, our paper aims to understand the politics of UPF-related standard-setting in the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), focusing on the development of new Front-of-pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) guidelines. We adopted a case study design involving, i) collection of documents from the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) meetings (2016-23), ii) identification, categorization, and enumeration of actors, and iii) guided by a constructivist framework, analysis of how actors framed and contested proposed food labelling provisions and characterized ‘risk/harm’. We found that country representation was skewed towards high-income, over middle-income, and low-income governments, and non-health ministries over health ministries. Delegations were also dominated by industry over civil society organizations, as were Codex observers. Contestations included preferential FOPNL schemes and which products would require FOPNL. Commercial and public health interest actors characterized ‘risk/harm’ as, non-scientific labelling that discourages consumer choice, and as, inadequate FOPNL leading to non-communicable diseases and trade challenges. Any ambition to comprehensively regulate UPFs requires examination of underlying interests and ‘risk/harm’ perceptions of actors, and how resource and power asymmetries can impact UPF-relevant standards. This calls into question the design of food regulatory systems, and especially how they impact human and planetary health.
Clinicians’ Perspective on Implementing Virtual Hospital Care for Low Back Pain: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Melman Alla , Vella Simon P , Dodd Rachael H , Coombs Danielle M , Richards Bethan , Rogan Eileen , Teng Min Jiat , Maher Chris G , Ghinea Narcyz , Machado Gustavo C
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Alternate “hospital avoidance” models of care are required to manage the increasing demand for acute inpatient beds. There is currently a knowledge gap regarding the perspectives of hospital clinicians on barriers and facilitators to a transition to virtual care for low back pain. We plan to implement a virtual hospital model of care called “Back@Home” and use qualitative interviews with stakeholders to develop and refine the model.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to explore clinicians’ perspectives on a virtual hospital model of care for back pain (Back@Home) and identify barriers to and enablers of successful implementation of this model of care.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with 19 purposively sampled clinicians involved in the delivery of acute back pain care at 3 metropolitan hospitals. Interview data were analyzed using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS

A total of 10 Theoretical Domains Framework domains were identified as important in understanding barriers and enablers to implementing virtual hospital care for musculoskeletal back pain. Key barriers to virtual hospital care included patient access to videoconferencing and reliable internet, language barriers, and difficulty building rapport. Barriers to avoiding admission included patient expectations, social isolation, comorbidities, and medicolegal concerns. Conversely, enablers of implementing a virtual hospital model of care included increased health care resource efficiency, clinician familiarity with telehealth, as well as a perceived reduction in overmedicalization and infection risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The successful implementation of Back@Home relies on key stakeholder buy-in. Addressing barriers to implementation and building on enablers is crucial to clinicians’ adoption of this model of care. Based on clinicians’ input, the Back@Home model of care will incorporate the loan of internet-enabled devices, health care interpreters, and written resources translated into community languages to facilitate more equitable access to care for marginalized groups.
Extracting Seizure Control Metrics from Clinic Notes of Patients with Epilepsy: a Natural Language Processing Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Fernandes Marta , Cardall Aidan , Moura Lidia MVR , McGraw Christopher , Zafar Sahar F , Westover M Brandon
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Monitoring seizure control metrics is key to clinical care of patients with epilepsy. Manually abstracting these metrics from unstructured text in electronic health records (EHR) is laborious.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to abstract the date of last seizure and seizure frequency from clinical notes of patients with epilepsy using natural language processing (NLP).

METHODS

We extracted seizure control metrics from notes of patients seen in epilepsy clinics from two hospitals in Boston. Extraction was performed with the pretrained model RoBERTa_for_seizureFrequency_QA, for both date of last seizure and seizure frequency, combined with regular expressions. We designed the algorithm to categorize the timing of last seizure (“today”, “1 to 6 days ago”, “1 to 4 weeks ago”, “more than 1 to 3 months ago”, “more than 3 to 6 months ago”, “more than 6 to 12 months ago”, “more than 1 to 2 years ago”, “more than 2 years ago”) and seizure frequency (“innumerable”, “multiple”, “daily”, “weekly”, “monthly”, “once per year”, “less than once per year”). Our ground truth consisted of structured questionnaires filled out by physicians. Model performance was measured using the areas under the receiving operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and precision recall curve (AUPRC) for categorical labels, and median absolute error (MAE) for ordinal labels, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated via bootstrapping.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 1,773 adult patients with a total of 5,658 visits with reported seizure control metrics, seen in epilepsy clinics between December 2018 and May 2022. The cohort average age was 42 years old, the majority were female (57%), White (81%) and non-Hispanic (85%). The models achieved an MAE (95% CI) for date of last seizure of 4 (4.00-4.86) weeks, and for seizure frequency of 0.02 (0.02-0.02) seizures per day.

CONCLUSIONS

Our NLP approach demonstrates that the extraction of seizure control metrics from EHR is feasible allowing for large-scale EHR research.
Examining Social Media Exposure and COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors when China ended “ZERO-COVID” Policy: The Role of COVID-19 Fear, Perceived Risk, and Mindfulness in a Moderated Mediation Model (Preprint)
Authors: Han Ting , Liu Miao
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

At the end of 2022, the “ZERO-COVID” policy was abruptly terminated in China, resulting in a surge of infections and uncertainty. China's transition from stringent prevention measures to a comprehensive reduction in efforts provides a unique context to study the impact of social media exposure on COVID-19 preventive behaviors against the backdrop of sudden surge in infections and death rates.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the interplay of social media exposure, psychological factors, and mindfulness in influencing COVID-19 preventive behaviors, specifically after the ZERO-COVID" policy.

METHODS

Participants (N=1167) were recruited through databnu.com, a national online panel. Data were collected using Qualtrics survey software from December 21, 2022, to January 3, 2023. To test mediation and moderation effects, the bootstrapping method with SPSS macro PROCESS was employed. Specifically, PROCESS Model 4 and Model 14 were used to analyze the proposed models.

RESULTS

The analysis demonstrates that both risk perception and COVID-19 fear mediate the relationship between social media exposure and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. It is found that social media exposure has a positive effect on risk perception (β=.35, SE=0.07, p<.001), which in turn, positively influences preventive behaviors (β=.19, SE=0.02, p <.001). Social media exposure has a positive effect on fear of COVID-19 (β=.14, SE=0.34, p <.001), which in turn, has a positive effect on preventive behaviors (β=.17, SE=0.48, p <.001). Mindfulness emerged as a significant moderator in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and preventive behavior (β=.15, SE=0.48, p =.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this research contribute valuable insights into the complex interplay between social media, psychological factors, and health behaviors during a critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these relationships is crucial for tailoring public health interventions and communication strategies to effectively promote preventive behaviors and mitigate the impact of future public health crises. The present study also suggests that future interventions should consider incorporating mindfulness-based strategies to assist individuals in managing their fear and making informed decisions regarding preventive measures in times of rapid change and uncertainty.mindfulness, COVID-19, preventive behaviors, fear, risk perception, social media exposure
Prime-Grade Assessment of Tomato Fruit
Authors: S Mr. Prashanth H , N Ravi Vamshi D , K Thanusha , N Nirmitha , R Namratha
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Tomato quality assessment is a critical task in the agricultural sedulity, impacting product, distribution, and consumer satisfaction. This study presents a new approach for the quality assessment of tomato fruits using deep knowledge ways. By employing convolutional neural networks(CNNs) and a dataset of annotated tomato images, we have developed a robust model suitable of assessing various quality parameters, including size, color, shape, and scars. The deep knowledge model offers high delicacy and effectiveness in distinguishing between decoration and sour tomatoes, furnishing precious perceptivity for farmers and stakeholders throughout the force chain. Our findings demonstrate the eventuality of deep knowledge in automating and optimizing tomato quality assessment processes, thus enhancing overall productivity and consumer experience.
A Case Report of Peripheral Neuropathy after Induction Chemotherapy before Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma with Amyloidosis Treated with Complex Korean Medicine Treatment
Authors: Kim Mariah , Lee Seyeon , Ku Kibeom , Nam Irang , Kim Minhwa , Kim So-yeon
Published: November 2023

Introduction: We present a case of multiple myeloma with amyloidosis, which has features of peripheral neuropathy after induction chemotherapy before autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, in a 56-year-old woman with Korean medicine.Case Presentation: For 17 days of hospitalization, the patient with complaints of numbness and a tingling sensation in the hands and feet was treated with acupuncture, herbal medicine. To reduce the symptoms, we provided Korean medicine treatments, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the results of the treatment. Until discharge, the VAS scores decreased for both hands and the foot tingling sensation.Conclusion: According to these results, Korean medicine treatment may be considered an effective treatment for tingling sensations in a patient with multiple myeloma with amyloidosis. Prospective studies are needed in the future to confirm and expand these findings.
Biosorption of methylene blue and malachite green from single and binary solutions by Pinus pinaster bark
Authors: Litefti Khaoula , Freire M. Sonia , Stitou Mostafa , González-Álvarez Julia
Published: November 2023

Aiming to develop a sustainable separation process reducing the water pollution, in this work Pinus pinaster (cluster pine) bark from a wood veneer industry was used for methylene blue and malachite green removal from aqueous systems. For single adsorption, the influence of time (up 8 h), adsorbent dose (2,5 - 5 - 10 g·L-1), temperature (25 ºC - 40 ºC - 60 ºC), pH (2 - 4 - 6) and particle size (0,1 mm - 0,5 mm, 0,5 mm - 1 mm and 1,6 mm - 2 mm) on adsorption was investigated. To study the initial concentration effect on binary adsorption, different concentrations (0 - 5 - 25 - 50 mg·L-1) were used at 25 ºC, natural pH and a dose of 5 g·L-1. High efficiency was obtained at pH = 4 (natural pH), dose of 5 g·L-1 and particle size of 0,5 - 1 mm. Adsorption percentages higher than 70 % were reached in less than one hour, with removal almost complete at equilibrium in single systems, without temperature influence. Methylene blue was slightly better adsorbed by bark. In binary systems, dyes exhibited competitive adsorption, decreasing their removal, especially increasing the initial concentration of the other dye. Dyes adsorption followed the pseudo-second order kinetic model, whereas the Langmuir isotherm explained adsorption equilibria in mono-component systems. High adsorption capacities (41,7 mg·g-1 for malachite green and 50,0 mg·g-1 for methylene blue) were obtained at 40 ºC and natural pH indicating that pine bark can be effectively used as biosorbent.
M. Gorky and F.A. Brown: Based on the Materials of the Archive of A.M. Gorky in the Institute of World Literature
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaskina Yuliya U.
Published: November 2023

The article deals with the creative, business and friendly relations of M. Gorky and Fyodor Alexandrovich Braun. Their acquaintance took place in 1918, when Gorky organized the publishing house “World Literature” in St. Petersburg, where Braun headed the department of German literature and was a member of the board of experts. Having left for Germany, Gorky began to publish the magazine “Beseda,” of which he invited Braun to head the scientific department. Their intensive correspondence lasted four years (1922–1925), and was devoted mainly to publishing, literary, scientific topics. The materials available in the Gorky Archive allow us to reassess the importance of the famous scientist, archaeologist and philologist F.A. Braun and his scientific heritage, as well as to more comprehensively represent the personality of M. Gorky, writer, publisher, editor, friend.
M. Gorky and the German Writer Theodor Plivier
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sumatokhina Lyubov V.
Published: November 2023

In the article, with the involvement of materials from the Archive of A.M. Gorky (IWL RAS, Moscow), the little-known fact of the collaboration of the German writer Theodor Plivier in the magazine “Kolkhoznik” created by M. Gorky is considered. For the first time, Gorky’s notes are given on typewritten manuscripts of Plivier’s story “Confession” and a fragment of his novel “The Kaiser is Gone, the Generals are left,” stored in Gorky’s Archive and printed in the Kolkhoznik magazine under the general heading “Kiel.” The history of this publication is revealed, its composition is analyzed. Fixed errors in the dating of letters and comments on Gorky’s correspondence with V.Ya. Zazubrin, admitted in the first publication.
Eternal Themes and Different Ages: what Remains of Gorky’s “Mother” after Meeting B. Brecht
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Romashkina Maria V.
Published: November 2023

Gorky’s novel “Mother,” first published in 1906 in the USA in English, becomes available in Russian only in 1907. In 1917 the publishing house “Life and Knowledge” completing the first edition of the publishing house “Knowledge” the first complete works of M. Gorky, publishes the novel “Mother” uncensored for the first time. A decade later, in 1930–1932, the German poet, playwright and social activist Bertolt Brecht creates a play based on Gorky’s novel for the Comedy Theater. The purpose of this article is to analyze which themes remain unchanged and which become completely different with the transformation from prose to drama.
Long-term dynamics of large wood in old-growth and second-growth stream reaches in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon
Authors: Gregory Stan , Ashkenas Linda , Wildman Randy , Lienkaemper George , Arismendi Ivan , Lamberti Gary , Meleason Mark , Penaluna Brooke E. , Sobota Daniel
Published: November 2023

We quantified temporal dynamics of wood storage, input, and transport in
a third-order stream over a 23-year period in adjacent old-growth and
second-growth forested reaches in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon.
Numbers and volumes of large wood (i.e., standing stock) in the old
growth reach were more than double and triple, respectively, than those
in the second growth. Annual inputs of large wood were highly variable.
Wood numbers delivered into the old-growth reach were 3X higher and wood
volume 10X greater than that of the second growth. Movement of number
and volume of logs did not differ significantly between the two reaches.
Less than 3% of the logs moved in most years, and the highest
proportion moved in the year of the 1996 flood (9% in old growth and
17% in second growth). The majority of wood occurred in accumulations
(i.e., jams) in both reaches. The second-growth reach lacked major jams,
but 29% of the logs in the old growth were in full-channel spanning
jams. Long-term observations of annual storage, input, and movement best
reveal the dynamics of wood rather than static representations of the
characteristics of wood. Input events and transport of wood in Mack
Creek were episodic and varied greatly over the 23-yr study, which
illustrates one of the major challenges and opportunities for
understanding the cumulative dynamics of wood in streams.
ROLE OF PRE-DISPOSING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVERSION IN DISTRICT MALAKAND KHYBERPUKHTUNKHWA PAKISTAN
Authors: Khan Younas , Khalid Taimoor , Jan Bushra Hassan
Published: November 2023

The present study deals with the role of pre-disposing environmental
factors in agricultural land conversion. A quantitative research design
with structured questionnaire was adopted to gather information from a
sample of 375 households through simple random sampling technique.
Further the data was analyzed in terms of descriptive and inferential
statistics through SPSS. At descriptive analysis simple frequencies and
percentages distributions was carried out, where at bivariate and
multivariate analysis Chi-square and Tau-c is a directional test was
adopted to found the association between the study variables. The
results disclosed that due to low agricultural productivity farmers
enforce to convert their land for other purpose (P = 0.000; T
= 0.259), growth in population creates immense
pressure on land conversion (P = 0.000; T = 0.091),
growth in population creates immense pressure on land conversion (P =
0.000; T = 0.091), infertility of agricultural land
is responsible for low productivity (P = 0.000; T =
0.140) with relation to agricultural land conversion. Additionally, at
multivariate analysis the association between free-disposing
environmental factors and agricultural land conversion while controlling
gender of the respondents was found highly significant (P = 0.000) and
positive (T = 0.292). Lastly, the association
between free-disposing environmental factors with agricultural land
conversion while controlling gender of the respondent was found
significant (P = 0.000) and positive (T = 0.292).
Implementation of agricultural land policies and laws in their true
spirit, empowerment and equipping agricultural staff, community
empowerment and involvement in agricultural land governance, government
interventions in land policies is needed to preserve agricultural lands,
a strong system of monitoring and apprehension and punishment of
illegitimate practices were some of the recommendations in light of the
study.
A real-world pharmacovigilance study of drug-induced QT interval prolongation：analysis of spontaneous reports submitted to FAERS
Authors: Tan Haowen , Yan Xida , Chen Ying , Huang Guili , Luo Luping , Li Wenjun , Lan Weiwei , Chen Cheng , Xi Xin
Published: November 2023

Objective: To identify the most commonly reported drugs associated with
QT interval prolongation in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
(FAERS) and evaluate their risk for QT interval prolongation. Methods:
We employed the preferred term (PT) “electrocardiogram QT prolonged”
from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) 26.0 to
identify adverse drug events (ADEs) of QT interval prolongation in the
FAERS database from the period 2004-2022. Reporting odds ratio (ROR) was
performed to quantify the signals of ADEs. Results: We listed the top 40
drugs that caused QT interval prolongation. The 3 drugs with the highest
number of cases were quetiapine (1151 cases, ROR 7.62), olanzapine (754
cases, ROR 7.92), and citalopram (720 cases, ROR 13.63). The two most
frequently reported first-level Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)
groups were the drugs for nervous system (n=19, 47.50%) and
antiinfectives for systemic use (n=7, 17.50%). More females (7,536,
51.24%) than males (5,158, 35.07%) were involved. 3720 patients
(25.29%) suffered serious clinical outcomes resulting in deaths or
life-threatening conditions. Most drugs caused QT interval prolongation
had early failure types according to the assessment of the Weibull’s
shape parameter (WSP) analysis. Conclusions: Our study offered a list of
drugs that frequently caused QT interval prolongation based on the FAERS
system, along with a description of some risk profiles for QT interval
prolongation brought on by these drugs. When prescribing these drugs in
clinical practice, we should closely monitor the occurrence of ADE for
QT interval prolongation. Keywords: QT interval prolongation,
pharmacovigilance, FAERS, data mining
Wpływ zmian kursów walutowych na handel międzynarodowy produktami rolnymi w warunkach globalnej recesji
Authors: Staszczak Dariusz
Published: November 2023

Artykuł analizuje wpływ zmian kursów walutowych na międzynarodowy handel produktami pochodzenia rolniczego w warunkach globalnej recesji. Analizowane są zmiany w saldzie bilansu rolnego handlu zagranicznego poszczególnych krajów. Zwraca się także uwagę na specyfikę wymiany produktami pochodzenia rolniczego
Modelling wheat yields variability in Polish voivodeships
Authors: Kobus Paweł
Published: November 2023

The paper presents an analysis of wheat yields variability in the voivodeships of Poland. The main aim of the study was to find out what are the statistical relationships between the wheat yield variability and the following factors: arable area, size of wheat production area, share of arable land used for wheat production, land quality and average yield. For that purpose a multiple linear regression was applied. It was found out that the detected spatial autocorrelation of wheat yields variability measured by standard deviations can be explained in 75% by the fitted model. Two of the considered variables showed a significant negative effect on this variability: the logarithm of arable area and the land quality, while the other two: the average wheat yield and the wheat production area displayed a significant positive effect on the variability. The effect of share of arable land used for wheat production itself was not significant.
Wokół problemu „błędu złożenia” we Wspólnej Polityce Rolnej UE
Authors: Czyżewski Andrzej , Stępień Sebastian
Published: November 2023

Celem pracy jest znalezienie odpowiedzi na pytanie, na ile wspólna polityka rolna dąży do osiągnięcia optymalności na poziomie mikro i makroekonomicznym, przy jednoczesnym uwzględnieniu kryteriów społecznych i środowiskowych. Autorzy chcą zwrócić uwagę na problem „błędu złożenia” mechanizmów WPR, czyli sprzeczności w dążeniu do zrównoważenia sektora rolnego. Z przeprowadzonej oceny instrumentarium unijnej polityki rolnej wynika, że osiągniecie optimum równocześnie w trzech płaszczyznach (ekonomicznej, społecznej i środowiskowej) jest niemożliwe, można tylko dążyć do zmniejszenia rozbieżności. W artykule wykazano, że część rozwiązań WPR nie jest wolna od klasycznego błędu złożenia, chociaż kolejne reformy polityki rolnej zmierzają w kierunku jego ograniczenia.
Pomoc żywnościowa w kontekście good governance i społecznej odpowiedzialności
Authors: Sapa Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

W pracy zwrócono uwagę na kwestię pomocy żywnościowej jako swego rodzaju sposób realizacji „good governance” i społecznej odpowiedzialności krajów bogatych względem krajów biednych. Opracowanie ma charakter przeglądowy. W pierwszej części przedstawiono niedożywienie jako problem globalny współczesnej gospodarki światowej. W drugiej części scharakteryzowano pomoc żywnościową z uwagi na formę jej dostarczania, sposób zakupu, czy głównych dostawców i odbiorców. W podsumowaniu podkreślono, że pomoc żywnościowa w warunkach nierozwiązanego problemu głodu systematycznie maleje, jej udzielanie jest determinowane czynnikami politycznymi i ekonomicznym, a jej ostateczny wpływ na sytuację żywnościową w krajach rozwijających się nie jest jednoznaczny.
The case study of the Polish fruit and vegetable producers competitive activities
Authors: Wiśniewska Joanna
Published: November 2023

This paper analyses the competitiveness of fruit and vegetable producers. Research was carried out as an attempt to identify the variables that determine companies’ ability to achieve a competitive advantage. The results of qualitative research are presented in the paper. Interdependence of entrepreneurs’ opinions for both domestic and foreign markets was examined by means of ordinal correlation measures. The paper evaluates the different forms of cost-price, quality, innovation and marketing competitiveness