bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injuries from electronic cigarettes, and cigarette/cigar-related paraphernalia, NEISS, 2012–2022
Authors: Wiener R. Constance , Lundstrom Eric W.
Published: May 2024

There is a need to determine the role of smoking/vaping related products in Emergency Department (ED) product-related injuries by age and sex to determine if interventions are warranted. These products include the combustible tobacco products’ paraphernalia to light them (CTPP), electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and electronic non-nicotine delivery system (ENNDS). Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), years 2012–2022, were examined for injury data associated with CTPP and ENDS/ENNDS. Bivariate comparisons were conducted. There were an estimated 3,142 (95%CI: 2,384–3,975) ED-treated ENDS/ENNDS product-related injuries and 46,116 (95%CI: 38,712–53,520) CTPP product-related injuries. Males were more likely to have an ED-treated ENDS/ENNDS product-related injury than females (proportion 0.93 [95%CI: 0.82, 0.98] versus 0.70 [95%CI: 0.02, 0.19]) as well as a CTPP product-related injury than females (proportion, 0.60 [95%CI: 0.56, 0.64] versus 0.40 [95%CI: 0.37, 0.44]). There were more ED-treated ENDS/ENNDS product-related injuries among persons ≥18 years than <18 years (proportion, 0.89 [95%CI: 0.75, 0.96] versus 0.11 [95% CI: 0.4, 0.35]). There were also more ED-treated CTPP product injuries among persons ≥ 18 years than <18 years (proportion, 0.73 [95%CI: 0.68, 0.78] versus 0.27 [95%CI: 0.22, 0.32]). No change in the proportion of injuries in our sample associated with END/ENNDS over time were observed. There is a need to consider injuries related to ENDS/ENNDS and CTPP product-related injuries in the discussion of the risks associated with smoking/vaping. Although ENDS/ENNDS have had fewer ED-treated injuries, the number of such injuries has remained stable, rather than declined over the previous decade. Injury prevention is a public health imperative and targeted interventions by healthcare providers during routine care, and the use of public service announcements could specifically target adults ≥18 years. Providing peer-to-peer educational programs, and initiating similar programs targeted at males who use CTP and ENDS/ENNDS have the potential to decrease injury risk.
Effects of different stocking densities on growth, nutritional quality, stress and antioxidant response in Labeo rohita; cultured in in-pond raceway system
Authors: Minahal Qandeel , Fatima Shafaq , Komal Wajeeha , Liaqat Razia
Published: May 2024

A 171-day long experimental trial was undertaken to study intricate physiological response of rohu (Labeo rohita) under stress caused by high stocking density in In-pond raceways system (IPRS). Fingerlings of rohu (initial body weight: 250 ± 1.20 g) were cultured at three different stocking densities; low density (LD) (2.27 kg/m3), medium density (MD) (3.79 kg/m3) and high density (HD) (5.30 kg/m3) in raceways of IPRS production system. Each treatment was in triplicate. Fish growth exhibited a decline in HD treatment statistically as its average weight gain/fish/day was 4.21 g as compared to MD (4.82 g) and LD (4.74 g). Nutritional profile of rohu indicated by the content of crude protein, fatty acids, and profile of amino acids was up to the set dietary benchmarks. Survival rate of fish in all the treatment groups was greater than 99%. The elevated cortisol levels observed in the HD treatment in contrast to the other treatments suggested the presence of stress. The levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were also higher in HD as compared to other treatments. However, there were no difference in the level of MDA between the three treatments. Activity of amylase, protease was significantly different in treatment whereas the difference in lipase activity was found to be insignificant. It can be concluded that medium stocking density i.e. 3.79 kg/m3 outperformed the high density (5.30 kg/m3) in different aspects of this study. Nevertheless, additional research is imperative to ascertain whether any intermediate stocking density between medium (3.79 kg/m3) and high (5.30 kg/m3) such as 4 kg/m3, 4.5 kg/m3, or 5 kg/m3, could potentially serve as suitable options for rohu. It is also suggested that brood stock of rohu should be genetically improved to obtain stress resilient fingerlings which will perform better at high stocking density at large scale production level.
Study on the influence of rock bridge angle on the size effect of rock uniaxial compression
Authors: Hu Gaojian , Xie Zhonghua , Xing Yuan , Gu Yangyong , Feng Haoran , Sun Lei
Published: May 2024

As a basic parameter of rock, the rock bridge angle plays an important role in maintaining the stability of rock masses. To study the size effect of rock bridge angle on the uniaxial compressive strength of rocks, this paper adopts the principle of regression analysis and combines numerical simulation to carry out relevant research. The research results indicate that: (1) the uniaxial compressive strength decreases with the increase of the rock bridge angle, showing a power function relationship; (2) The uniaxial compressive strength decreases with the increase of rock size and tends to stabilize when the rock size is greater than 350 mm, showing a significant size effect. (3) The fluctuation coefficient of compressive strength increases with the increase of rock bridge angle and decreases with the increase of rock size; When the rock size is 350 mm, the fluctuation coefficient is less than 5%; (4) The characteristic compressive strength and characteristic size both increase with the increase of the rock bridge angle.
Influence of aging on the relation between head control and hip joint kinematics during crossover stepping
Authors: Takeuchi Yahiko , Fujio Kimiya
Published: May 2024

Falls in older individuals are a serious health issue in super-aged societies. The stepping reaction is an important postural strategy for preventing falls. This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of lateral stepping in response to mechanical disturbance by means of an analysis of the hip joint kinematics in the stepping leg and head stability during crossover steps. The participants included 11 healthy older and 13 younger individuals. An electromagnet-controlled disturbance-loading device induced crossover steps due to lateral disturbance. Responses were measured using a motion capture system and force plates. The righting reaction of the head was quantified by lateral displacement (sway), neck joint kinematics (angle displacement, angular velocity), and neck joint moment during crossover stepping. Moreover, the relationship between the neck lateral bending moment and angular velocity of hip flexion/adduction of the stepping leg was examined. The lateral head sway was significantly larger in the older participants (1.13±0.7 m/s2) than in the younger individuals (0.54±0.3 m/s2); whereas, the angle displacement (older -14.1±7.1 degree, young -8.3±4.5 degree) and angular velocity (older 9.9±6.6 degree/s, 41.2±27.7 degree/s) of the head were significantly lower in the older than in the younger participants. In both groups, the moment of neck lateral bending exhibited a significant negative correlation with the hip flexion angular velocity of the stepping leg. Correlation analysis also showed a significant negative correlation between the neck lateral bending moment and hip adduction angular velocity only in the older group (r = 0.71, p<0.01). In conclusion, older individuals increased instability in the lateral direction of the head and decreased righting angle displacement and angular velocity of the head during crossover steps. The correlation between neck moment and hip flexion/adduction angular velocity suggested a decrease in step speed due to increased neck muscle tone, which could be influenced by vestibulospinal reflexes.
The impact of the parenting for respectability programme on violent parenting and intimate partner relationships in Uganda: A pre-post study
Authors: Siu Godfrey , Nsubuga Rebecca N. , Lachman Jamie M. , Namutebi Carol , Sekiwunga Richard , Zalwango Flavia , Riddell Julie , Wight Daniel
Published: May 2024

Background

There is a growing need for interventions that reduce both violence against children and intimate partner violence in low- and middle-income countries. However, few parenting interventions deliberately address this link. We tested the feasibility of a 16-session group-based parenting programme, Parenting for Respectability, in semi-rural Ugandan communities.

Methods

This was a pre-post study with parents and their children (N = 484 parents; 212 children).

Results

Pre-post comparisons found large effects for parent-reported reduced harsh parenting (Cohen’s f2 = 0.41 overall; f2 = 0.47 (among session attendees); with an overall reduction of 26% for harsh parenting. Session attendees reported higher reductions than non-attendees (p = 0.014), and male caregivers reported higher reductions than female caregivers (p<0.001). Children also reported reduced harsh parenting by attending fathers (f2 = 0.64 overall; f2 = 0.60) and attending mothers (f2 = 0.56 overall; f2 = 0.51); with reduction in harsh parenting ranging between 27% to 29% in the various categories. Overall, spousal violence reduced by 27% (f2 = 0.19 overall; f2 = 0.26 (among session attendees). Both parents and children reported reduced dysfunctional parent relationships; parents: f2 = 0.19 overall; f2 = 0.26 (among session attendees); and children: f2 = 0.35 overall; f2 = 0.32 (for attending parents); with reductions ranging between 22% to 28%. Parents who attended more than 50% of the program reported greater effects on reduced dysfunctional relationships than those who attended less than half of the program (B = -0.74, p = 0.013). All secondary outcomes were improved with f2 ranging between 0.08 and 0.39; and improvements ranging between 6% and 28%.

Conclusion

Results suggest the importance of more rigorous testing to determine program effectiveness.
Combined effects of ambient temperature and food availability on induced innate immune response of a fruit-eating bat (Carollia perspicillata)
Authors: Viola Matheus F. , Herrera M. L. Gerardo , Cruz-Neto Ariovaldo P.
Published: May 2024

Resilience of mammals to anthropogenic climate and land-use changes is associated with the maintenance of adequate responses of several fitness-related traits such as those related to immune functions. Isolated and combined effects of decreased food availability and increased ambient temperature can lead to immunosuppression and greater susceptibility to disease. Our study tested the general hypothesis that decreased food availability, increased ambient temperature and the combined effect of both factors would affect selected physiological and behavioral components associated with the innate immune system of fruit-eating bats (Carollia perspicillata). Physiological (fever, leukocytosis and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) and behavioral (food intake) components of the acute phase response, as well as bacterial killing ability of the plasma were assessed after immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 10 mg/kg) in experimental groups kept at different short-term conditions of food availability (ad libitum diet or 50% food-deprived) and ambient temperature (27 and 33°C). Our results indicate that magnitude of increase in body temperature was not affected by food availability, ambient temperature or the interaction of both factors, but the time to reach the highest increase took longer in LPS-injected bats that were kept under food restriction. The magnitude of increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was affected by the interaction between food availability and ambient temperature, but food intake, total white blood cell count and bacterial killing ability were not affected by any factor or interaction. Overall, our results suggest that bacterial killing ability and most components of acute phase response examined are not affected by short-term changes in food availability and ambient temperature within the range evaluated in this study, and that the increase of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio when bats are exposed to low food availability and high ambient temperature might represent an enhancement of cellular response to deal with infection.
A comparative study of blood cell count in four automated hematology analyzers: An evaluation of the impact of preanalytical factors
Authors: Åstrand Annika , Wingren Cecilia , Walton Claire , Mattsson Johan , Agrawal Komal , Lindqvist Madelene , Odqvist Lina , Burmeister Björn , Eck Steven , Hughes Glen , Luporini Saraiva Gabriela , Schantz Anna , Psallidas Ioannis , McCrae Christopher
Published: May 2024

Differential white blood cell counts are frequently used in diagnosis, patient stratification, and treatment selection to optimize therapy responses. Referral laboratories are often used but challenged with use of different hematology platforms, variable blood shipping times and storage conditions, and the different sensitivities of specific cell types. To extend the scientific literature and knowledge on the temporal commutability of blood samples between hematology analyzers, we performed a comparative ex-vivo study using four of the most utilized commercial platforms, focusing on the assessment of eosinophils given its importance in asthma management. Whole blood from healthy volunteers with and without atopy (n = 6+6) and participants with eosinophilic asthma (n = 6) were stored under different conditions (at 4, 20, 30, and 37°C, with or without agitation) and analyzed at different time points (3, 6, 24, 48 and 72h post-sampling) in parallel on the Abbott CELL-DYN Sapphire, Beckman Coulter DxH900, Siemens ADVIA 2120i and Sysmex XN-1000V. In the same blood samples, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), eosinophil activation and death markers were analyzed. All platforms gave comparable measurements of cell differentials on fresh blood within the same day of sampling. However, by 24 hours, significant temporal and temperature-dependent differences were observed, most markedly for eosinophils. None of the platforms performed perfectly across all temperatures tested during the 72 hours, showing that handling conditions should be optimized depending on the cell type of interest and the hematology analyzer. Neither disease status (healthy vs. asthma) nor agitation of the sample affected the cell quantification result or EDN release. The eosinophil activation markers measured by flow cytometry increased with time, were influenced by temperature, and were higher in those with asthma versus healthy participants. In conclusion, hematology analyzer, time window from sampling until analysis, and temperature conditions must be considered when analyzing blood cell differentials, particularly for eosinophils, via central labs to obtain counts comparable to the values obtained in freshly sampled blood.
Effects of chironomid larvae density and mosquito biocide on methane and carbon dioxide dynamics in freshwater sediments
Authors: Ganglo Caroline , Manfrin Alessandro , Mendoza-Lera Clara , Lorke Andreas
Published: May 2024

Small lentic water bodies are important emitters of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), but the processes regulating their dynamics and susceptibility to human-induced stressors are not fully understood. Bioturbation by chironomid larvae has been proposed as a potentially important factor controlling the dynamics of both gases in aquatic sediments. Chironomid abundance can be affected by the application of biocides for mosquito control, such as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis). Previous research has attributed increases in CH4 and CO2 emissions after Bti application to reduced bioturbation by chironomids. In this study, we separately tested the effect of chironomid bioturbation and Bti addition on CH4 production and emission from natural sediments. In a set of 15 microcosms, we compared CH4 and CO2 emission and production rates with high and low densities of chironomid larvae at the bioturbating stage, and standard and five times (5x) standard Bti dose, with control sediments that contained neither chironomid larvae nor Bti. Regardless of larvae density, chironomid larvae did not affect CH4 nor CO2 emission and production of the sediment, although both rates were more variable in the treatments with organisms. 5xBti dosage, however, led to a more than three-fold increase in CH4 and CO2 production rates, likely stimulated by bioavailable dissolved carbon in the Bti excipient and priming effects. Our results suggest weak effects of bioturbating chironomid larvae on the CH4 and CO2 dynamics in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, our results point out towards potential functional implications of Bti for carbon cycling beyond those mediated by changes in the macroinvertebrate community.
YouTube and the implementation and discontinuation of the oral contraceptive pill: A mixed-method content analysis
Authors: Niemann Jana , Wicherski Lea , Glaum Lisa , Schenk Liane , Stadler Getraud , Richter Matthias
Published: May 2024

Background

Women living in high-quality healthcare systems are more likely to use oral contraceptives at some point in their lives. Research findings have sparked controversial discussions about contraception in the scientific community and the media, potentially leading to higher rates of method discontinuation. Understanding the underlying motives for method discontinuation is crucial for reproductive health equity and future programming interventions. To address this question, this study aims to explore women’s experiences of oral contraceptive use and discontinuation on YouTube.

Methods

A concurrent explanatory mixed-methods design was used to conduct content analysis of German YouTube videos. The information from 175 videos of 158 individuals was extracted through quantitative descriptive content analysis. Twenty-one individuals were included in the qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The body was a recurring theme in the pill biographies. Women described, for example, bodily sensations as reasons for taking and stopping the pill. They also described positive and negative side effects while taking the pill and after stopping. The most common side effects of taking the pill mentioned by YouTubers were mood swings (76/158), weight gain (45/158), headaches (33/158), and depressed mood (45/158). The symptoms after discontinuation reported most were facial skin impurities (108/158), decreased mood swings (47/158), hair loss (42/158), and weight loss (36/158). Overall, women overwhelmingly rated their discontinuation experience as positive (87/91).

Conclusions

The study identified key symptoms of oral contraceptive initiation and discontinuation by portraying the experiences of female YouTubers, adding valuable insights to the understanding of method initiation and discontinuation. Further research is needed to explore women’s personal experiences with method discontinuation beyond the YouTube platform.
Multi-focused image fusion algorithm based on multi-scale hybrid attention residual network
Authors: Liu Tingting , Chen Mingju , Duan Zhengxu , Cui Anle
Published: May 2024

In order to improve the detection performance of image fusion in focus areas and realize end-to-end decision diagram optimization, we design a multi-focus image fusion network based on deep learning. The network is trained using unsupervised learning and a multi-scale hybrid attention residual network model is introduced to enable solving for features at different levels of the image. In the training stage, multi-scale features are extracted from two source images with different focal points using hybrid multi-scale residual blocks (MSRB), and the up-down projection module (UDP) is introduced to obtain multi-scale edge information, then the extracted features are operated to obtain deeper image features. These blocks can effectively utilize multi-scale feature information without increasing the number of parameters. The deep features of the image are extracted in its test phase, input to the spatial frequency domain to calculate and measure the activity level and obtain the initial decision map, and use post-processing techniques to eliminate the edge errors. Finally, the decision map is generated and optimized, and the final fused image is obtained by combining the optimized decision map with the source image. The comparative experiments show that our proposed model achieves better fusion performance in subjective evaluation, and the quality of the obtained fused images is more robust with richer details. The objective evaluation metrics work better and the image fusion quality is higher.
Leading causes of death in Vietnamese Americans: An ecological study based on national death records from 2005–2020
Authors: Tran Khoa , Shon HyeYuong , Phan Jonathan , Cheng Tina , Kim Gloria S. , Jamal Armaan , Srinivasan Malathi , Palaniappan Latha P. , Nguyen Linda , Huang Robert J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Disaggregated data is a cornerstone of precision health. Vietnamese Americans (VietAms) are the fourth-largest Asian subgroup in the United States (US), and demonstrate a unique burden of disease and mortality. However, most prior studies have aggregated VietAms under the broader Asian American category for analytic purposes. This study examined the leading causes of death among VietAms compared to aggregated Asian Americans and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) during the period 2005–2020.

Methods

Decedent data, including underlying cause of death, were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics national mortality file from 2005 to 2020. Population denominator estimates were obtained from the American Community Survey one-year population estimates. Outcome measures included proportional mortality, age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 (AMR), and annual percent change (APC) in mortality over time. Data were stratified by sex and nativity status. Due to large differences in age structure, we report native- and foreign-born VietAms separately.

Findings

We identified 74,524 VietAm decedents over the study period (71,305 foreign-born, 3,219 native-born). Among foreign-born VietAms, the three leading causes of death were cancer (26.6%), heart disease (18.0%), and cerebrovascular disease (9.0%). Among native-born VietAms the three leading causes were accidents (19.0%), self-harm (12.0%), and cancer (10.4%). For every leading cause of death, VietAms exhibited lower mortality compared to both aggregated Asians and NHWs. Over the course of the study period, VietAms witnessed an increase in mortality in every leading cause. This effect was mostly driven by foreign-born, male VietAms.

Conclusions and relevance

While VietAms have lower overall mortality from leading causes of death compared to aggregated Asians and NHWs, these advantages have eroded markedly between 2005 and 2020. These data emphasize the importance of racial disaggregation in the reporting of public health measures.
Eligibility for omecamtiv mecarbil in a real-world heart failure population: Data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Lindberg Felix , Øigaard Natanael , Metra Marco , Rosano Giuseppe M. C. , Dahlström Ulf , Mol Peter , Hage Camilla , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: May 2024

Aims

We assessed eligibility for omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) in a real-world cohort with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) according to the selection criteria of the GALACTIC-HF trial (trial scenario) and selected trial´s criteria more likely to impact real-world use (pragmatic scenario).

Methods and results

We included 31,015 patients with HFrEF lasting ≥3 months and registered in the Swedish HF registry between 2000–2021. Trial eligibility was calculated by applying all the GALACTIC-HF selection criteria. The pragmatic scenario considered only the New York Heart Association class, history of worsening HF, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP), blood pressure and renal failure criteria defined as in the trial. Eligibility for OM in chronic HFrEF was 21% and 36% in the trial and pragmatic scenarios, respectively. Eligibility was higher in those with EF<30% (trial: 27%, pragmatic: 44%), in-patients (trial:30%, pragmatic:57%), severe HF (trial: 35%, pragmatic: 60%), NYHA class III-IV (trial: 26%, pragmatic: 45%), and NT-proBNP≥5,000pg/mL (trial: 30%, pragmatic: 51%). The criteria that most limited eligibility were history of a recent worsening HF event (60% eligible in chronic HFrEF), elevated NT-proBNP (82% eligible), and deviating blood pressure (82% eligible). Overall, eligible patients were characterized by more severe HF and higher CV event-rates in both scenarios, and higher comorbidity burden in the pragmatic scenario.

Conclusion

Approximately 21% of real-world chronic HFrEF patients would be eligible for OM according to the GALACTIC-HF selection criteria, and 36% according to the criteria more likely to affect OM use in clinical practice. Criteria in both scenarios identified a patient-group with severe HF and high CV event-rates.
Research on the impact of pilot free trade zones on urban green development: A case study based on the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Tian Xiaoyong , Liu Yating , Huang Weitong
Published: May 2024

Green development is an important component of China’s new development concept. Pilot Free Trade Zones (PFTZs), as “experimental fields” for promoting reform, deepening opening-up, and raising the level of an open economy, are important open areas for China to promote green development. However, existing related research is not extensive. This article takes PFTZs as quasi-natural experiments, with the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) as the research area. Based on urban panel data from 2006 to 2020, using multi-period differences-in-differences and spatial differences-in-differences models, it explores the impact effects of PFTZs on urban green development and their potential mechanisms. The research findings indicate: (1) Overall, PFTZs significantly promote urban green development, with variations in impact effects due to different batches and locations of establishment. (2) Mechanism tests show that PFTZs mainly promote urban green development by stimulating technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and reducing government intervention. (3) From the perspective of spatial spillover effects, the establishment of PFTZs not only promotes the green development process in the host cities but also has a promoting effect on the green development of surrounding cities.
Validation of a Cantonese Version of the Amsterdam-Nijmegen Everyday Language Test (CANELT): A functional approach
Authors: Wong Winsy Wing Sze
Published: May 2024

Background

The current study aimed to validate the Cantonese version of the Amsterdam-Nijmegen Everyday Language Test (CANELT), a functional communication assessment tool for Cantonese speakers with aphasia. A quantitative scoring method was adopted to examine the pragmatics and informativeness of the production of people with aphasia (PWA).

Method

CANELT was translated from its English version with cultural adaptations. The performance on the 20-item CANELT collected from 56 PWA and 100 neurologically healthy Cantonese-speaking controls aged 30 to 79 years was orthographically transcribed. Scoring was based on the completeness of the main concepts produced in the preamble and subsequent elaborations, defined as Opening (O) and New Information (NI). Measures examining the validity and reliability were conducted.

Results

An age effect was found in neurologically healthy controls, and therefore z scores were used for subsequent comparisons between neurologically healthy controls and PWA. The test showed strong evidence for known-group validity in both O [χ2 (2) = 95.2, p < .001] and NI [χ2 (2) = 100.4, p < .001]. A moderate to strong correlation was found between CANELT and standardized aphasia assessment tools, suggesting satisfactory concurrent validity. Reliability measures were excellent in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach’s α of .95 for both ‘O’ and ‘NI’), test-retest reliability (ICC = .96; p < .001), intra-rater reliability (ICC = 1.00; p < .001), and inter-rater reliability for O (ICC = .99; p < .001) and NI (ICC = .99; p < .001). Sensitivity and specificity for O are 97% and 76.8%, respectively, while for NI, a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 91.1% were obtained.

Conclusions

Measures on validity and reliability yielded promising results, suggesting CANELT as a useful and reliable functional communication assessment for PWA. Its application in managing PWA and potential areas for development are discussed.
How air pollution affects corporate total factor productivity?
Authors: Yang Jialiang , Yin Wen
Published: May 2024

To explore the relationship between air pollution and total factor productivity and new pathways, This paper examines the impact of air pollution on total factor productivity of A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen between 2015 and 2019. It investigates this relationship by considering two pathways: investor sentiment and government attention. The findings indicate that air pollution suppresses total factor productivity of firms. However, air pollution stimulates investor sentiment, which in turn increases R&D investment and total factor productivity, reducing to some extent the dampening effect of air pollution on total factor productivity. There exists a notable positive correlation between air quality and government attention, acting as a mediating variable. This implies that air pollution has the potential to capture the attention of governmental entities, leading to the implementation of appropriate measures aimed at managing and mitigating the occurrence of air pollution caused by industrial enterprises.And the relevant governments should formulate a series of policies to meet the different needs of different enterprises. These two approaches have varying impacts depending on the type of enterprises, thus governments should develop laws to cater to the various demands of different types of enterprises.
The effect of solarium light therapy on selected biological and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood in young and old horses
Authors: Orzołek Aleksandra , Rafalska Katarzyna Teresa , Domosławska-Wyderska Anna , Rafalska Agata Monika , Dziekońska Anna , Jastrzębska Ewa , Dobbek Dominika
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of solarium light therapy on selected biological and biochemical parameters of peripheral blood in recreational horses. The study involved 10 horses divided into two groups of young (aged 5 to 7 years) and old (aged 14 to 19 years) individuals. All animals participated in light therapy sessions every other day. Blood was sampled three times during the study: before the treatment, after five light sessions, and after ten light sessions. Morphological parameters, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, TAS values, and the levels of glutathione (GSH), vitamin D3, vitamin C, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the whole blood. Light therapy contributed to an increase in MCV, HDW, MCVr, CHr and MPV indices, and simultaneously a decrease in the basophil counts, MCHC, RDW and CHCMr indices in both groups of horses (p ≤ 0.05). At the same time reticulocytes fell in older whereas white blood cells and monocytes counts expanded in younger individuals. The treatment also increased the activity of glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in young but decreased the activity of mentioned enzymes in blood plasma of old horses. The total antioxidant status (TAS) of the blood plasma rose progressively, whereas GSH levels declined in all individuals. Moreover, vitamin D3 levels did not change, whereas vitamin C levels gradually decreased during the experiment. The therapy also helped to reduce levels of MDA in the blood plasma, especially of older horses (p ≤ 0.05). In turn, GPx and GR activities as well as MDA levels significantly declined, whereas GSH levels notably elevated in erythrocytes (p ≤ 0.05). Solarium light therapy appears to have a beneficial impact on the morphological parameters and antioxidant status of blood in recreational horses in the winter season. However, the observed results could in part be attributed to the natural physiological adaptation of each individual organism to the treatment.
Assessing genotypes of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) as an alternative to maize silage for sheep nutrition
Authors: Singh Sultan , Koli Pushpendra , Singh Tejveer , Das Madan Mohan , Maity Subhendu Bikash , Singh Krishna Kunwar , Katiyar Rohit , Misra Asim Kumar , Mahanta Sanat Kumar , Srivastava Manoj Kumar , Anele Uchenna Young , Oderinwale Olatunde Akeem , Ren YongLin
Published: May 2024

Nutritive value of five Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass) genotypes (IG96-50, IG96-96, IG96-358, IG96-401 and IG96-403) weredetermined. Their sugar contents (>70 mg/g of dry matter) and ensiling potential were evaluated using in vitro batch culture and in vivo studies. Research indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) in the dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose and lignin contents of the C. ciliaris genotypes tested. Genotypes also differed (P < 0.05) in total carbohydrates, structural carbohydrates, non-structural carbohydrates and protein fractions. Genotype IG96-96 had the lowest total digestible nutrients, digestible energy and metabolizable energy contents (377.2 g/kg, 6.95 and 5.71 MJ/kg of dry matter, respectively), and net energy values for lactation, maintenance and growth. After 45 days of ensiling, C. ciliaris silages differed (P < 0.05) in dry matter, pH, and lactic acid contents, and their values ranged between 255–339, 4.06–5.17 g/kg of dry matter and 10.8–28.0 g/kg of dry matter, respectively. Maize silage had higher (P < 0.05) Organic Matter (919.5g/kg of dry matter), ether extract (20.4g/kg of dry matter) and hemi-cellulose (272.3 g/kg of dry matter) than IG96-401 and IG96-96 silages. The total carbohydrates and non-structural carbohydrates of maize silage were higher (P < 0.05), while structural carbohydrates were comparable (P < 0.05) with C. ciliaris silages. Sheep on maize silage had (P < 0.05) higher metabolizable energy, lower crude protein, and digestible crude protein intake (g/kg of dry matter) than those on C. ciliaris silage diets. Nitrogen intake and urinary-N excretion were higher (P < 0.05) on genotype IG96-96 silage diet. Overall, this study suggested that certain C. ciliaris genotypes, notably IG96-401 and IG96-96, exhibited nutritive values comparable to maize silage in sheep studies, offering a promising avenue for future exploration as potential alternatives in diversified and sustainable livestock nutrition programs.
Value of Sonazoid-enhanced ultrasonography in characterizing indeterminate focal liver lesions on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI in patients without risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ban Ji Yoon , Kang Tae Wook , Jeong Woo Kyoung , Lee Min Woo , Park Boram , Song Kyoung Doo
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the added value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using Sonazoid in characterizing focal liver lesions (FLLs) with indeterminate findings on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI in patients without risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Patients who underwent CEUS using Sonazoid for characterizing indeterminate FLLs on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI were. The indeterminate FLLs were classified according to the degree of malignancy on a 5-point scale on MRI and combined MRI and CEUS. The final diagnosis was made either pathologically or based on more than one-year follow-up. The diagnostic performance was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the net reclassification improvement (NRI) was calculated.

Results

A total of 97 patients (mean age, 49 years ± 16, 41 men, 80 benign and 17 malignant lesions) were included. When CEUS was added to MRI, the area under the ROC curve increased, but the difference was not statistically significant (0.87 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.77–0.98] for MRI vs 0.93 [95% CI, 0.87–0.99] for CEUS added to MRI, P = 0.296). The overall NRI was 0.473 (95% CI, 0.100–0.845; P = 0.013): 33.8% (27/80) of benign lesions and 41.2% (7/17) of malignant lesions were appropriately reclassified, whereas 10.0% (8/80) of benign lesions and 17.6% (3/17) of malignant lesions were incorrectly reclassified.

Conclusions

Although performing CEUS with Sonazoid did not significantly improve the overall diagnostic performance in characterizing indeterminate FLLs on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI in patients without risk factors for HCC, it may increase radiologist’s confidence in classifying FLLs.
Optimal timing of a colonoscopy screening schedule depends on adenoma detection, adenoma risk, adherence to screening and the screening objective: A microsimulation study
Authors: Zaika Viktor , Prakash Meher K. , Cheng Chih-Yuan , Schlander Michael , Lang Brian M. , Beerenwinkel Niko , Sonnenberg Amnon , Krupka Niklas , Misselwitz Benjamin , Poleszczuk Jan
Published: May 2024

Colonoscopy-based screening provides protection against colorectal cancer (CRC), but the optimal starting age and time intervals of screening colonoscopies are unknown. We aimed to determine an optimal screening schedule for the US population and its dependencies on the objective of screening (life years gained or incidence, mortality, or cost reduction) and the setting in which screening is performed. We used our established open-source microsimulation model CMOST to calculate optimized colonoscopy schedules with one, two, three or four screening colonoscopies between 20 and 90 years of age. A single screening colonoscopy was most effective in reducing life years lost from CRC when performed at 55 years of age. Two, three and four screening colonoscopy schedules saved a maximum number of life years when performed between 49–64 years; 44–69 years; and 40–72 years; respectively. However, for maximum incidence and mortality reduction, screening colonoscopies needed to be scheduled 4–8 years later in life. The optimum was also influenced by adenoma detection efficiency with lower values for these parameters favoring a later starting age of screening. Low adherence to screening consistently favored a later start and an earlier end of screening. In a personalized approach, optimal screening would start earlier for high-risk patients and later for low-risk individuals. In conclusion, our microsimulation-based approach supports colonoscopy screening schedule between 45 and 75 years of age but the precise timing depends on the objective of screening, as well as assumptions regarding individual CRC risk, efficiency of adenoma detection during colonoscopy and adherence to screening.
National identity in Italian westerns and post-westerns
Authors: González Jesús Ángel
Published: May 2024

Since Schatz defined the western genre as America’s foundation ritual, several film critics have emphasized the role of the western as a foundational fiction. Interestingly enough, just like American westerns deal with American identity and its foundational myth, one can find westerns and post-westerns made in other countries that are also concerned with these countries’ national identities. This article analyses how spaghetti westerns set in the United States deal metaphorically with Italian identity and foundational myths, and how post-western films set in Italy approach similar topics more directly. The article considers several films, by directors like Pietro Germi, Sergio Sollima, Florestano Vancini or Pasquale Squitieri, from the perspective of transnational post-westerns in order to scrutinize the way they deal with the difficulties of integration of the North and the South of Italy and present different perspectives on the Italian foundational myth of Risorgimento.
Mourning the Italian boys: ‘Gen Z’, masculinity, teen stardom
Authors: Vacirca Silvia
Published: May 2024

This article aims to help fill a quasi-void in Italian film scholarship regarding media representations of Italian teen gender identities. It explores the role of Italian performers belonging to the so-called ‘Generation Z’, in terms of their emerging professional trajectories – with a focus on the post-pandemic context – and representations of gender, finding that the ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ played by Italian teen actors in movies and media outlets negotiate emerging cultural and social trends in representing gendered identities. Through a close analysis of filmic and media texts, as well as a trove of data acquired via ten in-person interviews conducted with carefully selected Italian actors, the article also examines how their characters and media personas negotiate traditional gender stereotypes and the cultural status of their profession.
Shadow Plays: Virtual Realities in an Analog World, Massimo Riva (2022)
Authors: Patti Emanuela
Published: May 2024

Review of: Shadow Plays: Virtual Realities in an Analog World, Massimo Riva (2022)

Stanford: Stanford University Press

ISBN 978-1-50362-987-5, e-book
Women, Feminism and Italian Cinema: Archives from a Film Culture, Dalila Missero (2022)
Authors: Bonifazio Paola
Published: May 2024

Review of: Women, Feminism and Italian Cinema: Archives from a Film Culture, Dalila Missero (2022)

Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 200 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47446-324-9, p/bk, £19.99
A contemporaneidade alimentar
Authors: Contreras Jesús
Published: May 2024

Atualmente as dinâmicas alimentares situam-se em polos aparentemente opostos: por um lado, estribam-se no plano da inovação (novos alimentos criados com recurso à tecnologia) e, por outro, no plano da conservação (tradição, património…). Esta realidade é atestada linguisticamente pela emergência de vários termos criados para designar os alimentos de forma mais ou menos técnica e precisa ou menos conceptual e imprecisa, além da polissemia que já acarretam. No presente artigo é justamente dos termos polissémicos que nos ocuparemos, escolhendo da longa lista disponível – pela sua recorrência e valor semântico – as expressões tradicional (patrimonial, com o sentido “de sempre”, “de verdade”, “de antigamente”, “do tempo da avó” …) e de proximidade (local, “daqui”, “autóctone”, “da terra”, “do quilómetro 0”, “nosso”, “do povo” …). Apesar da ambiguidade e imprecisão terminológica que encerram, aos ditos produtos “tradicionais”, “locais” e “de proximidade” são atribuídos apenas aspetos positivos. Tal predicação deve ser considerada como reflexo de uma vontade de fazer frente à globalização e homogeneização consideradas excessivas, na medida em que a produção intensiva instaurou uma ruptura fundamental das relações dos seres humanos com o meio, potenciando ameaças que comprometem a sustentabilidade do planeta.
Crónica de D. Afonso V de Rui de Pina
Authors: Earle Thomas F.
Published: May 2024

Este livro apresenta a primeira edição científica desta obra-prima da cronística medieval portuguesa. Rui de Pina, cronista-mor do reino e guardador da Torre do Tombo, cria uma narrativa dramática e emocionante dos eventos do reinado de D. Afonso V (1438-1481), desde os anos turbulentos da regência do tio, o infante D. Pedro, até às guerras marroquinas e ao conflito com os Reis Católicos sobre a sucessão de Castela. Escritor de espírito independente, Rui de Pina não poupa reis nem príncipes, cujo comportamento critica sempre que o julga necessário.
An Explanation for Dark Energy from Whittaker Potential Theory
Authors: Titleman Mark
Published: May 2024

A recent article found that black holes with posited vacuum energy interior solutions alongside cosmological boundaries have a cosmological coupling constant of k=3, meaning that black holes gain mass proportional to a
3 in a parameterization equation within a Robertson Walker cosmology – thus making black holes a cosmological dark energy species (Farrah et al. 2023). The mechanism for this is unknown. Two papers by E. T. Whittaker in 1903 and 1904 showed that all force potential could be understood as resulting from standing waves (static non-local solution) and propagating waves (local solution changing in time). This unification of gravitational and electromagnetic potential has been neglected even though it opens up new mathematical avenues and physical features. The mass-proportionality and preferred direction of the longitudinal waves within the two underlying Whittaker potentials can explain many features of General Relativity (Titleman 2022). They also offer a simple Newtonian explanation for dark energy stemming from Whittaker potential theory – it is produced as longitudinal motion within the Whittaker potentials only when dynamic electromagnetism is separate from time-static gravity in intergalactic space.
Behavioral Health Load Balancing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Authors: Kiley Patrick
Published: May 2024

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is facing a behavioral health boarding crisis that is putting strain on the healthcare system. By conducting a data analysis of the available behavioral health beds, total behavioral health beds, and numbers of boarders, this strain is clearly stated by the data gathered in this study. In order to lower the burden on the healthcare system, a load balancing system could be set-up to facilitate loadshedding of behavioral health patients. Lessons learned from setting up existing load balancing systems, barriers to setting up load balancing systems, and solutions to these barriers are important for understanding how this type of system would be established. Through an e-interview process, answers to these questions are provided to help guide the process of setting up a behavioral health load balancing system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Exploring the Lopez-Ahlgrimm Equation and Gravitational Potential Hamiltonian
Authors: Lopez Victor
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the Lopez-Ahlgrimm equation and the Gravitational Potential Hamiltonian within the context of the Casimir effect and their applications to magnetic electrical generation. By analyzing these equations, we explore the theoretical possibility of manipulating Casimir forces to facilitate energy generation. Our findings suggest a novel approach to designing magnetic generators, which may have significant implications for sustainable energy technology.
INFLUENCE OF THE ARC WELDING RELATED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ON PACEMAKERS
Authors: Souček Tomáš , Richter Aleš , Abdel Haq Mahdi
Published: May 2024

The patients with implanted pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator are exposed to a certain risk of affecting this device by surrounding electromagnetic field. There are many sources of potential risky electromagnetic fields, arc welding is definitely one of them. The aim of this article is to present research focused on analysis of the pacemaker function during welding. There were performed in-vitro measurements with 9 pacemakers during metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) method arc welding. The responses of pacemakers were monitored by communication via programmer. Based on these measurements there are proposed safe distances from the main parts of welding machines, and also conditions and instructions for arc welding by patients with pacemakers. To ensure patient safety, patients should maintain suggested safe distances, use direct current with minimal possible amplitude, and weld in short intervals. Additionally, their pacemakers should be set to bipolar configuration.