bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder: diagnostic and management challenges
Authors: Barbosa M. , Fonseca A. R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), relatively common psychiatric pathologies (5% and 1-2% respectively), share several characteristics, specially impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. With different therapeutic approaches, it is therefore important to distinguish the entities for a correct approach to the patient. Clinical evidence has also demonstrated high comorbidity between two entities, and therefore this recognition is of equal relevance.

Objectives

Analyze the clinical evidence, in order to better understand the dynamics between the two pathologies as comorbid or differential diagnosis, for an appropriate approach to the patient.

Methods

Authors used the Medline database through the Pubmed search engine, with the keywords: “PBP”, “PHDA”.

Results

These two pathologies share impulsive and spontaneous actions with poor thinking about the consequences; nonetheless, ADHD individuals tend to show this impulsivity by being more impatiente when they have to wait, talking over other people, interrupting others; on the contrary, in BPD impulsivity can be showed more as self-harm behaviors.

As for the emotional dysregulation, that both entities share, in the comorbid case it is known that it is the most severe form. This characteristic is part of the central characteristics of BPD where these individuals experience intense and unstable emotions. They have difficulty regulating their emotions which can lead to rapid changes in mood, and they report feelings of emotional emptiness and difficulty in establishing stable relationships. As for ADHD individuals, despite present, it’s not a core symptom, as they have more control over their emotions, and have more adaptative cognitive strategies.

Attention deficit can be a core symptom of a subtype of ADHD and has not yet been reported in patients with PBP, except in comorbid situations. According to studies, 30-60% of patients with PBP report and score on attention deficit scales. Truth is both entities have intelectual disfunctionalities.

Results of genetic studies are very inconsistent, however epigenetic research and reseach focusing on hypothetized vulnerability genes or sites have been promising.

Conclusions

A complete clinical history is particularly important in these cases and sometimes difficult, as so, clinicians should be aware to prevent misdiagnosis and provide the best care for both disorders and the comorbidity. Given that treatment differs between both pathologies, psychotherapy in BPD, and the multimodal approach in ADHD, it is imperative to distinguish the two entities. In comorbid cases, a combination of the two therapies has demonstrated effectiveness but much more studies are needed.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Cervical Cordotomy for Intractable Cancer Pain Using Microtubular Retractors: A Single Institution Case Series
Authors: Kimchi Gil , Lamsam Layton , Gu Brett , Mendel Ehud , Harel Ran , Knoller Nachson , Cohen Zvi R. , Ungar Lior , Zibly Zion
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

As advancements in cancer treatments have allowed patients with a high burden of disease to live longer, the number of patients who present with debilitating refractory pain has increased. Anterolateral cordotomy has long been used for the treatment of intractable unilateral cancer pain using either an imaging-guided percutaneous approach or an open surgical approach. In this report, we describe a novel minimally invasive modification to the open surgical approach. It combines the benefits of both approaches by providing direct visualization for lesioning without the collateral tissue damage of an open approach.

METHODS:

This retrospective study evaluated medical records, operative reports, and imaging studies of patients who underwent a minimally invasive cordotomy at a single institute between 2018 and 2022. The surgical technique involved a microscope-assisted C2 hemilaminectomy using microtubular retractors followed by dural opening and anterolateral cordotomy under direct visualization and with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.

RESULTS:

Eleven patients were included in the study. None were converted to an open approach, and no wound-related postoperative complications were observed. A clinically significant decrease in pain was observed after the procedure, and 10 of the 11 patients (91%) were ambulatory by the time of analysis.

CONCLUSION:

Compared with image-guided percutaneous cordotomy, anterolateral cervical cordotomy with microtubular retractors potentially improves the safety of the procedure through direct visualization while being less invasive than a conventional open approach. Our preliminary experience with this technique demonstrates the feasibility of the approach, as it was both safe and effective.
The L^p-spectrum of the laplacian on forms over warped products and Kleinian groups
Authors: Σιάσος Πέτρος
Published: August 2024

Στην παρούσα διατριβή, γενικεύουμε το σύνολο των πολλαπλοτήτων για τις οποίες το L^p-φάσμα της Λαπλασιανής σε k-μορφές εξαρτάται από το p. Στο πρώτο μέρος, θεωρούμε γινόμενα πολλαπλότητες των οποίων η μετρική είναι στρεβλωμένο γινόμενο στο άπειρο και αποδεικνύουμε ότι το L^p-φάσμα της Λαπλασιανής σε k-μορφές περιέχει ένα παραβολικό χωρίο το οποίο εξαρτάται από τα k, p και την οριακή καμπυλότητα a_0 στο άπειρο. Στο δεύτερο μέρος, θεωρούμε πηλίκα του υπερβολικού χώρου Μ με την ομάδα πηλίκο να είναι γεωμετρικά πεπερασμένη έτσι ώστε η Μ να έχει άπειρο όγκο και να μην έχει ακίδες. Αποδεικνύουμε ότι το L^p-φάσμα της Λαπλασιανής σε k-μορφές είναι ακριβώς ένα παραβολικό χωρίο μαζί με ένα σύνολο από μεμονωμένες ιδιοτιμές της πραγματικής ευθείας.
Case Report: Methimazole-Induced Parotitis - An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Rana Ricky , Krier Emily , Tauseef Abubakar , Dufani Jalal
Published: August 2024

A 56-year-old female with a medical history of unspecified hyperthyroidism and a recent thyroid storm presented to the ED with tachycardia, hypertension, and bilateral enlarged parotid glands. During a previous hospitalization, she was diagnosed with unspecified hyperthyroidism and started on methimazole. During hospitalization, laboratory findings suggested Graves’ disease with an acute thyroid storm. The patient also complained of enlarged parotid glands bilaterally. CT tomography of the neck revealed no calculi of the parotid glands but showed extensive fatty replacement, possibly related to methimazole use. Treatment with propranolol and IV hydrocortisone improved thyroid function. Due to the suspicion of methimazole-induced parotitis, she was transitioned to a reduced methimazole dosage for treatment of Graves’ disease, which subsequently improved her parotitis. Methimazole, the standard initial treatment for Graves’ disease, is generally well-tolerated. It can cause adverse reactions; however, parotitis is very rare and has been documented in only a few case reports. Owing to the limited number of reports, its incidence is currently unknown. Here, we present a case of methimazole-induced parotitis as an unusual presentation of thyroid storm. Drug-induced reactions can only be considered once common causes of parotitis such as viral infection, obstruction, and autoimmune diseases are ruled out. Treatment involves dosage adjustments and supportive care. Methimazole-induced parotitis is often misdiagnosed and overlooked because of the lack of reported cases. This necessitates future research into the reaction mechanisms and optimal treatment.
Analysis of inbreeding depression in five S1 Cassava families of elite varieties at the seedling nursery and clonal evaluation trial stages.
Authors: Jiwuba Lydia , Ogbonna Alex , Ikeogu Ugochukwu , Okeakpu Favour , Eluwa Kenneth , Ekaette Eunice , Njoku Damian , Okocha Peter , Egesi Chiedozie , Okogbenin Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Background Cassava is an outcrossing, highly heterozygous plant that is reported to suffer from inbreeding depression. However, unraveling recessive traits and exploring additive genes would require a limited level of inbreeding for the genetic improvement of cassava. Method The impact of inbreeding depression (ID) on agronomic and biotic tolerance of cassava was evaluated using the S1 progenies of five African cassava varieties (TMS 30572, TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 01/1371, and TMS 98/0002) at the seedling and clonal evaluation stages. Results At both trial stages, the effects of ID were severe on average performance of fresh root yield and fresh foliage yield; moderate on harvest index, dry matter content, vigor, and tolerance to cassava mosaic disease, cassava bacterial blight, and cassava anthracnose diseases; and less severe on plant height. Further examination of S1 families using molecular markers showed varying levels of heterozygosity at several loci across the genome. In addition, the degree of heterozygosity and ID varied by the S1 family. The TMS 01/1371 family showed the lowest degree of heterozygosity and ID on the average performance of different agronomic attributes, indicating that inbreeding may be strategically explored in this family to increase genetic gain and identify useful recessive traits. Lastly, the observed depression from inbreeding was higher in seedling evaluation than in clonal evaluation trials for fresh root yield, fresh foliage yield, harvest index, and dry matter content. Conclusion S1 individuals showing relatively low heterozygosity based on SNP data were selected as parents to advance genetic gain in cassava. Generally, reduced heterozygosity was prominent in traits with severe ID impacts on average phenotypic performance. Our results highlight the relative importance of exploring non-additive genetic effects and transgressive segregations for favorable allele combinations in cassava improvement.
Code and Data Repository for Computing Optimality Certificates for Convex Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Problems
Authors: Halbig Katrin , Hümbs Lukas , Rösel Florian , Schewe Lars , Weninger Dieter
Published: August 2024

The goal of this software is to compute (the size of) optimality certificates for convex mixed-integer nonlinear problems.
Code and Data Repository for The Impact of Passive Social Media Viewers in Influence Maximization
Authors: Kahr Michael , Leitner Markus , Ljubić Ivana
Published: August 2024

This archive is distributed in association with the INFORMS Journal on Computing under the MIT License. This repository contains codes (written in Julia) and results that were used in the research reported on in the paper: Kahr Michael, Leitner Markus, Ljubic Ivana. The impact of passive social media viewers in influence maximization, 2024, (https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0047). Important: This repository will not receive any updates. Moreover, the provided code is unlikely to work on machines with up-to-date software, because it uses outdated Julia packages and CPLEX versions (see the requirements below). An updated version (and potential future updates) can be found here: https://github.com/m-kahr/mnlcimp.
Do Investors Value Workforce Gender Diversity?
Authors: Daniels David P. , Dannals Jennifer E. , Lys Thomas Z. , Neale Margaret A.
Published: August 2024

We examine whether investors value workforce gender diversity. Consistent with the view that investors believe workforce gender diversity can be valuable in major firms, we use event studies to demonstrate that U.S. technology firms and financial firms experience more positive stock price reactions when it is revealed that they have relatively higher (versus lower) workforce gender diversity numbers. For instance, we find that Google’s revelation of relatively low workforce gender diversity numbers triggered a negative stock price reaction, whereas eBay’s revelation of relatively high workforce gender diversity numbers triggered a positive stock price reaction. These stock price reactions are both economically and statistically significant; for example, we estimate that if a technology firm had revealed gender diversity numbers that were one standard deviation higher, its market valuation would have increased by $1.11 billion. Corroborating this plausibly causal field evidence, we also find positive investor reactions to workforce gender diversity in randomized experiments using Prolific participants with investing experience; these reactions seem to be underpinned by investors’ beliefs about potential upsides of diversity for the firm (e.g., reduced legal risks; increased creativity) but not by investors’ beliefs about potential downsides of diversity for the firm (e.g., increased conflict). Our findings highlight the importance of understanding investors’ intuitions or beliefs about major organizational phenomena such as workforce gender diversity. Our results also point toward a new type of business case for diversity, driven by investors: if major firms had more workforce gender diversity, investors may “reward” them with substantially higher valuations.

Funding: This research is supported by NUS (National University of Singapore) Startup Grant WBS A-0003900-00-00 to D. P. Daniels.
Grises y de antifaz; hablemos de mapaches
Authors: López-Castilla Héctor M. J. , Zapata-Zacarias Adi S.
Published: August 2024

Los mapaches son mamíferos de talla mediana, conocidos por su apariencia robusta y presentar un antifaz negro en su rostro. Además, son famosos por robar alimento cuando se encuentran cerca de las urbes y agroecosistemas e inclusive ¡por salir en películas!
Post competency training in standardized training of resident physicians and integrated postgraduates
Authors: Zeng Yan , Yang Jian , Zhang Jun-Wen
Published: August 2024

We focus on the importance and necessity of post-competency-based training in medical education alongside its current challenges and opportunities. Integrating post competency training into standardized educational frameworks is increasingly recognized as a critical component of preparing residents and postgraduates for real-world clinical practice. Post competency training represents a commitment to excellence in medical education, striving to produce competent, skilled practitioners to meet the challenges of modern healthcare.
Solid pancreatic masses: What’s hidden beneath? Insights into rare pancreatic lesions
Authors: Balaban Daniel Vasile
Published: August 2024

The diagnostic approach to solid pancreatic masses has significantly evolved from the era when a focal pancreatic mass was almost synonymous to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, to a wide spectrum of pancreatic lesions, some of which have good prognosis. With the advent of advanced diagnostic tools, particularly refined imaging and tissue acquisition techniques, a broader spectrum of differential diagnoses has been recognized, encompassing conditions ranging from neuroendocrine tumors or inflammatory masses, to rare entities like metastatic clear cell sarcoma or solitary fibrous tumors. We herein discuss case reports of some rare pancreatic lesions, which were diagnosed by combining clinical and imaging features and endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue sampling and confirmed on surgical specimens. Further reports on these rare pancreatic tumors will contribute to a better understanding of their pathogenesis and effective management.
Challenges in integrating traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota research for insomnia treatment
Authors: Bilal Maham , Nashwan Abdulqadir J
Published: August 2024

The gut microbiome is an extensive variety of bacteria with a range of metabolic capabilities that can be pathogenic, beneficial, or opportunistic. Changes in the gut microbiota's composition can affect the link between gut integrity and host health as well as cause disruptions to numerous neurological systems. The second most prevalent mental health problem, insomnia has a negative social and economic impact. Currently, it is becoming increasingly obvious how crucial it is to preserve the delicate balance of gut microbiota to treat illness-related symptoms like insomnia. Although traditional Chinese medicine has proposed an effective strategy against insomnia through gut microbiota alteration in animal models, studies in human models are limited. This decreases the predictive value of the studies in terms of human outcomes. This editorial places an emphasis on cultural sensitivity rather than scientific reasoning that promotes the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). We aim to emphasize the concern that promoting TCM could divert resources from conventional medical research, leading to suboptimal care.
Spectrum of delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy syndrome: A systematic review
Authors: Srichawla Bahadar S , Garcia-Dominguez Maria A
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Delayed post hypoxic leukoencephalopathy syndrome (DPHLS), also known as Grinker’s myelinopathy, is a rare but significant neurological condition that manifests days to weeks after a hypoxic event. Characterized by delayed onset of neurological and cognitive deficits, DPHLS presents substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

AIM

To consolidate current knowledge on pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for DPHLS, providing a comprehensive overview and highlighting gaps for future research.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, ScienceDirect and Hinari databases using terms related to delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy. Inclusion criteria were original research articles, case reports, and case series involving human subjects with detailed clinical, neuroimaging, or pathological data on DPHLS. Data were extracted on study characteristics, participant demographics, clinical features, neuroimaging findings, pathological findings, treatment, and outcomes. The quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 73 cases were reviewed. Common comorbidities included schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, hypertension, and substance use disorder. The primary causes of hypoxia were benzodiazepine overdose, opioid overdose, polysubstance overdose, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Symptoms frequently include decreased level of consciousness, psychomotor agitation, cognitive decline, parkinsonism, and encephalopathy. Neuroimaging commonly revealed diffuse T2 hyperintensities in cerebral white matter, sometimes involving the basal ganglia and the globus pallidus. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy often showed decreased N-acetylaspartate, elevated choline, choline-to-creatinine ratio, and normal or elevated lactate. Treatment is often supportive, including amantadine, an antioxidant cocktail, and steroids. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be beneficial in those with CO poisoning. Parkinsonism was often treated with levodopa. Most of the patients had substantial recovery over the course of months and many cases had some residual neurocognitive deficits.

CONCLUSION

DPHLS remains a complex and multifaceted condition with various etiologies and clinical manifestations. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial to improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing diagnostic criteria, using advanced imaging techniques, and exploring therapeutic interventions to improve understanding and treatment of DPHLS. Conducting prospective cohort studies and developing biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring will be essential to advance patient care.
Dislocating the Language of Modernity in Amitav Ghosh's The Circle of Reason
Authors: Ettensohn Derek
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Engaging with Amitav Ghosh's recent essays that link imperial modernity's mechanistic view of the world to the novel's failure to imagine climate change, this article examines how Ghosh's fiction attempts to dislocate narratives of modernity to reveal a world constructed by capital and naturalized through reason. Drawing on the work of postcolonial theorists on the introduction of Western science to India, this article returns to Ghosh's first novel, The Circle of Reason , to focus on the intimate scale of the transformations that imperial modernity enacted on the human body and psyche. Though underrepresented in scholarship on Ghosh, this novel is a critical site for understanding Ghosh's view of how the ideology of modernity gets entrenched as scientific reason, reshaping humankind's relationship with the human body and the surrounding world. The novel's representation of the body, moreover, proposes an intimate and uncanny space that discloses alternative ways of imagining the world.
A Cursed Circle: Confronting Patriarchal and Colonizing Legacies in Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic
Authors: Ortega Alejandra
Published: August 2024

Abstract: In Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic (2020), the Doyle family home of High Place is a living, breathing structure. The home indelibly retains memories of dead women within its walls that it uses to communicate with the novel's protagonist, Noemí Taboada. Moreno-Garcia uses this supernatural home to address legacies of violence against women and minorities by staging the colonizer-colonized relationship for Noemí in areas of the home that are typically viewed as feminine or private, intimate spaces. She furthers this discussion by reshaping a typically European genre for a new audience while critically examining a contentious period of Mexico's history. Through an intersection of spatial theory, postcolonial theory, and ecocriticism, this essay analyzes the way Moreno-Garcia constructs a haunting domestic space to confront patriarchal and colonizing legacies that are often suppressed in cultural and literary memory.
Chromaticity-integrated principal component analysis for spectral phase measurement in spectrally resolved white light interferometry
Authors: Bhanot Pardeep , Debnath Sanjit K.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we propose chromaticity-integrated principal component analysis for spectral phase measurement using three phase shifted spectral interferograms with non-uniform phase shifts. A spectral interferogram exhibits an inherent variable phase shift along the chromaticity axis that introduces errors in spectral phase measurement on wavelengths other than the mean wavelength. To address this issue, we employ the principal component analysis by integrating the spectral information from neighboring pixels along the chromaticity axis for each pixel in the scan axis of the interferogram. To validate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm, we compared its results with the traditional five-step algorithm.
Mode-switchable vortex beam generator based on Dirac semimetal and vanadium dioxide
Authors: Zhang Yonggang , Huai Fei , Liang Lanju , Liu Yang , Wu Guifang , Yan Xin , Xu Weiyao , Wang Ziqun , Li Zhenhua , Yao HaiYun , Hu Xiaofei , Li Yuanping , Wang Lu
Published: August 2024

The sensitivity of phase-change materials to low-energy photons has enabled the development of tunable terahertz (THz) generators for vortex beams. In this study, a composite unit structure based on Dirac semimetal (DSM), vanadium dioxide (VO2), and polyimide is proposed, with 360° phase coverage achieved by rotating the angle of the DSM structure. In addition, the switching of VO2 between medium and metal is controlled by changing its temperature, resulting in a metasurface orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex beam to switch between the transmission of a five-layer structure and the reflection of a three-layer structure. The metasurface, operating in a five-layer structured transmission mode, is designed as a vortex beam generator with topological charges of −1 and +2, and realized a tunable vortex beam generator operating frequency by changing the Fermi energy level of the DSM. The metasurface, operating in a three-layer structured reflection mode, is designed as a broadband tunable vortex beam generator with topological charges of −1 and +2. The switchable OAM modes generated by the vortex beam generator are realized by changing the Fermi energy level of the DSM, and selective incidence of left circularly polarized and right circularly polarized waves is realized in the THz band. This switchable vortex beam generator based on DSM and VO2 has potential applications in wireless communication systems in the THz range.
Nonlinear Thomson scattering: velocity asymmetry inherent in electron figure-8 motion
Authors: Romero Mahonri , Robins Luke , Stevens Aria , Sa Nuno , Sun Yance , Ware Michael , Peatross Justin
Published: August 2024

The individual polarization components of nonlinear Thomson scattering arise from the separate dimensions of electron figure-8 motion caused by a linearly polarized laser field. We present the first measurements of nonlinear Thomson scattering in both emission hemispheres. In the electron average rest frame, the shape of the electron figure-8 path is symmetric about the laser polarization dimension. However, the periodic electron velocity is intrinsically asymmetric. The full scattering emission pattern reveals this asymmetry and the direction that electrons move around the figure-8 path.
Multi-level efficient 3D image reconstruction model based on ViT
Authors: Zhang Renhao , Hu Bingliang , Chen Tieqiao , Zhang Geng , Li Siyuan , Chen Baocheng , Liu Jia , Jia Xinyin , Wang Xing , Su Chang , Li Xijie , Zhang Ning , Qiao Kai
Published: August 2024

Single-photon LIDAR faces challenges in high-quality 3D reconstruction due to high noise levels, low accuracy, and long inference times. Traditional methods, which rely on statistical data to obtain parameter information, are inefficient in high-noise environments. Although convolutional neural networks (CNNs)-based deep learning methods can improve 3D reconstruction quality compared to traditional methods, they struggle to effectively capture global features and long-range dependencies. To address these issues, this paper proposes a multi-level efficient 3D image reconstruction model based on vision transformer (ViT). This model leverages the self-attention mechanism of ViT to capture both global and local features and utilizes attention mechanisms to fuse and refine the extracted features. By introducing generative adversarial ngenerative adversarial networks (GANs), the reconstruction quality and robustness of the model in high noise and low photon environments are further improved. Furthermore, the proposed 3D reconstruction network has been applied in real-world imaging systems, significantly enhancing the imaging capabilities of single-photon 3D reconstruction under strong noise conditions.
Design and Fabrication of Ultrahigh Q Chip-Based Silica WGM Micro-resonators for Single-Atom Cavity-QED
Authors: Dayan Barak , Ohana Tal , Guendelman Gabriel , Mishuk Eran , Kandel Nadav , Garti Dror , Gurovich Doron , Bitton Ora
Published: August 2024

Of the many applications of whispering-gallery mode (WGM) microresonators, single-atom cavity quantum electrodynamics (cavity-QED) poses the most extreme demands on mode-volume, dimensions and quality factor (Q). Here we present the procedure for the fabrication of chip-based, small mode-volume, ultrahigh Q silica WGM microresonators, designed for single-emitter cavity-QED.
We demonstrate microresonators at varying geometries, from toroidal to micro-spheres, yielding ultrahigh-qualities as high as 1.7×10⁸ at 780nm. We present a comprehensive theoretical model that allows tailoring the fabrication process to attain the desired microresonator geometry.
Ultrafast four-wave-mixing spectroscopy with two vacuum fields and coincidence-double-heterodyne detection
Authors: Yadalam Hari Kumar , Kizmann Matthias , Mukamel Shaul
Published: August 2024

In classical macroscopic ultrafast optical four-wave mixing signals, phase matching selects three classes of light–matter interaction pathways: double quantum coherence; non-rephasing; and photon-echo. Multiple pathways contribute to each of these signals. We show that a coincidence-double-heterodyne detection scheme that employs two classical and two vacuum fields can isolate a single pathway contribution to each of these signals. We further demonstrate the advantage of the proposed technique by comparing it with the classical photon-echo signal for a model Frenkel-exciton dimer.
Determinants of timely administration of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine in Senegal in 2019: Secondary analysis of the demographic and health survey
Authors: Bassoum Oumar , Ba Mouhamadou Faly , Sougou Ndeye Mareme , Sow Adama , Seck Ibrahima
Published: August 2024

In developing countries, hepatitis B is spread primarily by the perinatal or horizontal route. Thus, the Senegalese government recommends administering the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB0) within 24 hours of birth. The objective was to identify the determinants of timely administration of HepB0 in Senegal in 2019. A secondary analysis of the demographic and health survey was carried out. The study population consisted of children aged 12 to 23 months. A cluster survey, stratified in urban and rural areas, drawn at two stages, was carried out. Individual interviews were conducted. Logistic regression was applied to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and their 95% confidence interval. In total, 1130 children were included. Among them, 48.1% were born to mothers aged 25 to 34, 46.8% were male and 82.6% were born in health facilities. The average time between birth and HepB0 administration was 13.1±46.6 days. The median is 0 days [IQR: 0–12] with a minimum of 0 days and a maximum of 414 days. Among 747 children vaccinated, only 65.2% were vaccinated within 24 hours of birth. The determinants were maternal age of at least 35 years (aOR = 2.03 [1.29–3.20]), primary education of the mother (aOR = 1.94 [1.13–3. 35]), at least four antenatal care visits (aOR = 1.74 [1.12–2.69]), belonging to the central (ORa = 0.22 [0.11–0.44]) and northern regions (aOR = 0.18 [0.08–0.40]), and delivery in a health facility (aOR = 3.42 [1.90–6.15]). Education and keeping girls in school, local postnatal care in hard-to-reach regions, promotion of antenatal acre and delivery in a health facility should improve the timeliness of HepB0 vaccination.
Dynamics of quasi-periodic, bifurcation, sensitivity and three-wave solutions for (n + 1)-dimensional generalized Kadomtsev-Petviashvili equation
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad Hamza , Riaz Muhammad Bilal , Basendwah Ghada Ali , Raza Nauman , Rafiq Muhammad Naveed
Published: August 2024

This study endeavors to examine the dynamics of the generalized Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (gKP) equation in (n + 1) dimensions. Based on the comprehensive three-wave methodology and the Hirota’s bilinear technique, the gKP equation is meticulously examined. By means of symbolic computation, a number of three-wave solutions are derived. Applying the Lie symmetry approach to the governing equation enables the determination of symmetry reduction, which aids in the reduction of the dimensionality of the said equation. Using symmetry reduction, we obtain the second order differential equation. By means of applying symmetry reduction, the second order differential equation is derived. The second order differential equation undergoes Galilean transformation to obtain a system of first order differential equations. The present study presents an analysis of bifurcation and sensitivity for a given dynamical system. Additionally, when an external force impacts the underlying dynamic system, its behavior resembles quasi-periodic phenomena. The presence of quasi-periodic patterns are identified using chaos detecting tools. These findings represent a novel contribution to the studied equation and significantly advance our understanding of dynamics in nonlinear wave models.
Automated brain tumor diagnostics: Empowering neuro-oncology with deep learning-based MRI image analysis
Authors: Gunasekaran Subathra , Mercy Bai Prabin Selvestar , Mathivanan Sandeep Kumar , Rajadurai Hariharan , Shivahare Basu Dev , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: August 2024

Brain tumors, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, pose a significant threat to human health. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment and improved patient outcomes. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the primary diagnostic tool for brain tumors, providing detailed visualizations of the brain’s intricate structures. However, the complexity and variability of tumor shapes and locations often challenge physicians in achieving accurate tumor segmentation on MRI images. Precise tumor segmentation is essential for effective treatment planning and prognosis. To address this challenge, we propose a novel hybrid deep learning technique, Convolutional Neural Network and ResNeXt101 (ConvNet-ResNeXt101), for automated tumor segmentation and classification. Our approach commences with data acquisition from the BRATS 2020 dataset, a benchmark collection of MRI images with corresponding tumor segmentations. Next, we employ batch normalization to smooth and enhance the collected data, followed by feature extraction using the AlexNet model. This involves extracting features based on tumor shape, position, shape, and surface characteristics. To select the most informative features for effective segmentation, we utilize an advanced meta-heuristics algorithm called Advanced Whale Optimization (AWO). AWO mimics the hunting behavior of humpback whales to iteratively search for the optimal feature subset. With the selected features, we perform image segmentation using the ConvNet-ResNeXt101 model. This deep learning architecture combines the strengths of ConvNet and ResNeXt101, a type of ConvNet with aggregated residual connections. Finally, we apply the same ConvNet-ResNeXt101 model for tumor classification, categorizing the segmented tumor into distinct types. Our experiments demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed ConvNet-ResNeXt101 model compared to existing approaches, achieving an accuracy of 99.27% for the tumor core class with a minimum learning elapsed time of 0.53 s.
Robot-assisted gait training in patients with various neurological diseases: A mixed methods feasibility study
Authors: Hotz Isabella , Mildner Sarah , Stampfer-Kountchev Michaela , Slamik Bianca , Blättner Christoph , Türtscher Elisabeth , Kübler Franziska , Höfer Clemens , Panzl Johanna , Rücker Michael , Brenneis Christian , Seebacher Barbara
Published: August 2024

Background

Walking impairment represents a relevant symptom in patients with neurological diseases often compromising social participation. Currently, mixed methods studies on robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in patients with rare neurological diseases are lacking. This study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, goal attainment and preliminary effects of RAGT in patients with common and rare neurological diseases and understand the intervention context and process.

Methods

A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted at an Austrian rehabilitation centre. Twenty-eight inpatients after stroke in the subacute and chronic phases, with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, spinocerebellar ataxia, acute/chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and motor neuron disease were included. Patients received RAGT for 45 minutes, 4x/week, for 4 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included gait parameters, walking and balance, and questionnaires. Semi-structured observations were conducted twice during the intervention period and analysed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics within the respective disease groups and calculation of effect sizes for the total sample were performed. Triangulation was employed to develop a deeper understanding of the research topic.

Results

Data from 26 patients (mean age 61.6 years [standard deviation 13.2]) were analysed. RAGT was highly accepted by patients and feasible, indicated by recruitment, retention, and adherence rates of 84.8% (95% confidence interval, CI 0.7–0.9), 92.2% (95% CI 0.7–1.0) and 94.0% (95% CI 91.4–96.2), respectively. Goal attainment was high, and only mild adverse events occurred. Improvements in walking speed (10-Metre Walk Test, effect size r = 0.876), walking distance (6-Minute Walk Test, r = 0.877), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go, r = 0.875), gait distance (r = 0.829) and number of steps (r = 0.834) were observed. Four themes were identified: familiarising with RAGT; enjoyment and acceptance through a trusting therapeutic relationship; actively interacting; and minimising dissatisfaction.

Discussion

Sufficiently powered randomised controlled trials are needed to validate our results.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00027887.
Evaluating equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canadian Postgraduate Medical Education: A cross-sectional analysis of online content
Authors: Bondok Mohamed , Bondok Mostafa , Martel Liana , Law Christine
Published: August 2024

Background

Medical graduates applying to Residency through the Canadian Resident Matching System (CaRMS) utilize the internet to gather information on programs and their overarching Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Office. This study aims to evaluate how PGME websites across Canada convey their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through their website features.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis of the 17 Canadian PGME websites against 20 EDI criteria based on contemporary literature, across five domains: leadership and governance, recruitment, accommodations, community engagement, and pathways to entry. Non-parametric testing was conducted to explore the relationship between EDI performance and municipal population diversity and geographic region.

Results

The evaluation of PGME websites, policies, reports, and plans revealed a mean score of 8.65/20 (SD = 3.00), with scores ranging from a minimum of 4/20 to a maximum of 13/20, indicating variability in EDI representation. Specifically, the domain of leadership and governance demonstrated the highest mean proportion of completed criteria (51%), while community engagement had the lowest (24%). Notably, 9 out of 17 PGME websites (53%) met at least 10 EDI criteria. Analysis by geographic region demonstrates significant mean differences (p = 0.02), with Ontario (10.50, SD = 2.17) and Western Provinces (11.00, SD = 0.00) scoring notably higher than Quebec (4.50, SD = 0.58), the Prairies (8.50, SD = 2.12), and the Atlantic region (8.00, SD = 2.83).

Conclusions

The assessment of Canadian PGME websites reveals varying levels of commitment to EDI. While many programs exhibit strong EDI representation in mission statements, access to mental health services, and anti-discrimination policies, there are notable gaps in leadership messaging, diverse interview panels, family-friendly policies, and deliberate recruitment of underrepresented groups. Regional differences highlight the need for sharing best practices to promote inclusivity across the country. Improving EDI efforts on PGME websites can promote the recruitment and retention of a diverse resident population.
A mixed-method analysis of provider adherence to integrated antenatal care guideline in BEmONC and Non BEmONC primary health center: An Indonesian case
Authors: Yuliyanti Suryani , Utarini Adi , Trisnantoro Laksono
Published: August 2024

Provider adherence to the integrated antenatal care (ANC) procedure is an important indicator of high-quality ANC. The procedure is intended to avoid missed opportunities to detect the risk of abnormalities in pregnancy. This study aims to assess the provider’s adherence to integrated ANC in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) and non-BEmONC Primary Health Center (PHC). This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The quantitative phase reviewed 149 medical records of pregnant women in the four PHCs in Semarang from January until February 2020. The findings were used to describe the provider’s adherence to the integrated ANC and lead to the contributing factors which should be explored in the qualitative phase. The study involved four in-depth interviews with midwife coordinators in four PHCs. The Mann-Whitney and Chi-square test was employed to analyse the quantitative data, while the thematic analysis was undertaken on the qualitative data. The provider’s adherence to the guideline did not differ between BEmONC and non-BEmONC PHC. The general physical examination of the patients (18.81%) and dentist visits (84.6%) were not done in either BEmONC or non-BEmONC PHC. Incomplete laboratory tests were haemoglobin (28.2%) and urine protein (38.9%). The barriers to adherence to the integrated ANC guideline were related to an imbalance of resources, role and responsibility issues among doctors and midwives, and policy issues. This study found low BEmONC nor non-BEmONC PHC adherence to the integrated ANC guideline. A Periodic evaluation of the implementation of integrated ANC to ensure its high-quality implementation in Indonesia is needed.
Health insurance system fragmentation and COVID-19 mortality: Evidence from Peru
Authors: Anaya-Montes Misael , Gravelle Hugh
Published: August 2024

Peru has a fragmented health insurance system in which most insureds can only access the providers in their insurer’s network. The two largest sub-systems covered about 53% and 30% of the population at the start of the pandemic; however, some individuals have dual insurance and can thereby access both sets of providers. We use data on 24.7 million individuals who belonged to one or both sub-systems to investigate the effect of dual insurance on COVID-19 mortality. We estimate recursive bivariate probit models using the difference in the distance to the nearest hospital in the two insurance sub-systems as Instrumental Variable. The effect of dual insurance was to reduce COVID-19 mortality risk by 0.23% compared with the sample mean risk of 0.54%. This implies that the 133,128 COVID-19 deaths in the sample would have been reduced by 56,418 (95%CI: 34,894, 78,069) if all individuals in the sample had dual insurance.
Assessing techno-economic strategies to implement circular business models: The case of fibre-reinforced thermoset polymers
Authors: Carino Flavia Domitilla , Ferrante Francesco , Sorrentino Luca , Turchetta Sandro
Published: August 2024

We present a comprehensive review of recent techno-economic analyses concerning the recycling of fibre-reinforced thermoset polymers, delving into the strategies employed. Additionally, we offer insights into the critical issues that necessitate consideration when evaluating solutions for valorizing these materials. Our emphasis lies in advocating for a demand-driven, entrepreneurial approach focused on identifying viable industrial applications for recycled materials, forming the foundation for sustainable techno-economic solutions and viable circular business models. We underscore the imperative for initial public intervention to regulate the recycling process, alter stakeholders’ incentives and effectively coordinate actions across involved value chains.
Mecanismos implicados en la escritura de palabras del castellano
Authors: Alegría Izcoa Jesús , Carrillo Gallego María Soledad
Published: August 2024

El artículo examina los mecanismos cognitivos implicados en la escritura de palabras en lengua castellana. Este tema ha sido ampliamente estudiado en sistemas ortográficos inconsistentes/profundos como el inglés y el francés, pero mucho menos en sistemas consistentes/superficiales como el del castellano. Los datos analizados sugieren que los dos mecanismos de escritura que constituyen la base modelo de la doble ruta: el fonológico y el ortográfico-lexical, intervienen en la escritura de palabras. En comparación con otras ortografías menos consistentes, la adquisición de estos dos mecanismos es más rápida en castellano. Este resultado es conforme a las predicciones del modelo de autoenseñanza. Complementariamente estudiamos otros dos mecanismos implicados en la escritura de palabras: uno ortográfico de carácter subléxico, basado en la frecuencia de regularidades ortográficas, y el otro basado en el conocimiento morfológico. Los datos a este respecto son escasos en castellano. No obstante, los resultados muestran que los aprendices adquieren rápidamente rutinas ortográficas basadas en regularidades ortográficas subléxicas, y que utilizan conocimientos morfológicos para escribir palabras. Esto muestra que ambos factores intervienen en la escritura en todos los sistemas ortográficos alfabéticos, sea cual fuere su grado de consistencia-profundidad. Las diferencias entre sistemas no parecen ser cualitativas sino cuantitativas. Además, todos los mecanismos examinados en castellano se adquieren más rápidamente que en los sistemas menos consistentes.
Rendimientos de la educación y prima salarial en España. Una panorámica crítica
Authors: Braña Pino Francisco Javier
Published: August 2024

El objeto de este artículo es hacer una revisión panorámica lo más exhaustiva posible de los trabajos que han abordado la estimación de los rendimientos de la educación en España. El estudio se inicia con una exposición de la metodología utilizada para la estimación de los rendimientos en el marco del análisis neoclásico, explicitando los supuestos en los que se basa, las consecuencias de algunos de dichos supuestos, los problemas principales que han sido abordados en la bibliografía, terminando con el análisis de una serie de aspectos que limitan los resultados alcanzados, la mayoría bien conocidos desde hace tiempo, pero que sólo en contadas ocasiones se han tenido en cuenta. Para finalizar, se ofrece una relación de los trabajos que han analizado los rendimientos privados de la educación y las primas salariales en España.
La planificación estratégica en las universidades públicas en España: un análisis de sus objetivos
Authors: García Aracil Adela
Published: August 2024

Las instituciones de educación superior (IES) están tratando de responder a los nuevos retos que la sociedad y el contexto internacional les demandan asumiendo nuevos roles y misiones. Estos cambios repercuten en los sistemas de gobierno y planificación, de tal forma que se permite que las IES utilicen su autonomía para adaptarse y dar respuesta a dichos cambios y diferenciarse del resto. El objetivo de este estudio es explorar si las universidades públicas españolas definen sus objetivos y estrategias para adaptarse o dar respuesta a las demandas cambiantes de la sociedad adoptando un patrón de comportamiento homogéneo («deseable») o si lo hacen de forma diferenciada. Para ello se han analizado los planes estratégicos de las universidades públicas españolas. Los resultados muestran que los criterios de evaluación establecidos por los gobiernos para financiar a las universidades o el protagonismo mediático adquirido por los rankings universitarios internacionales favorecen la progresiva homogenización de objetivos y estrategias en detrimento de la diferenciación.
Influencia del contexto docente sobre los intereses de los futuros maestros especialistas en Educación Física
Authors: García Herrero Juan Antonio , Sánchez Sánchez Galo , Caballero Juliá Daniel
Published: August 2024

El presente trabajo analiza la influencia que tiene cursar la asignatura de Iniciación Deportiva Escolar, del tercer curso de Magisterio de la especialidad de Educación Física, en los intereses de los alumnos antes y después de la misma. Para ello, han participado en el estudio 46 alumnos/as a los que se les pasa un cuestionario autocumplimentado en el que deben manifestar su interés sobre 22 ítems relacionados con esa asignatura. El análisis factorial realizado indica que los intereses del alumnado antes y después de pasar por la asignatura se agrupan de manera diferente. Los datos permiten observar una evolución en el esquema factorial del alumnado desde el inicio hasta el final de su relación con esa asignatura. Los resultados hallados permiten identificar el efecto que tiene cursar una asignatura sobre los intereses de los estudiantes y las temáticas más atractivas según su criterio.