bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiqh Peradaban and the Actualization of Religious and State Life in the Modern Society
Authors: Latif Mukhlis , Mutawalli Muhammad , Paidi Zulhilmi
Published: October 2023

This paper discusses fiqh peradaban (Islamic jurisprudence for civilization) as a concept that emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and prioritizes fundamental ethics as an aspect of morality in order to create peace in living religious and state life. More specifically, it highlights the importance of fiqh peradaban in maintaining social cohesion and national unity in a bhinneka-nuanced society. In this sense, fiqh peradaban functions as a framework for building unity and harmony amidst diversity. This research is library research; it reviews library resources related to the concept of fiqh peradaban. This research uses a qualitative approach and presents data descriptively. The data collected in this research includes the intersection between the UN Charter and Islamic law; the relationship between Islam, the state, and democracy; the role of Islam in modern society and state; and the concept of fiqh peradaban as a balanced control between the state and religion. In general, the results of this study show that fiqh peradaban has a crucial role in overcoming conflicts and problems that arise in religious and state life. These conflicts and problems must be resolved by the state because they can threaten religious harmony and national unity. However, the state's involvement in religious and spiritual affairs may create its own problems. It is here that fiqh peradaban is present as a solution because it offers foundational ethics for modern society.
A Review of Fintech and Waqf Intersections in Academic Debates
Authors: Napitupulu Rodame Monitorir , Sukmana Raditya
Published: October 2023

In 2022, Indonesia was ranked 3rd in the utilization of Islamic fintech on a global scale. Despite this accomplishment, waqf institutions continue to face challenges in embracing fintech. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the extent of fintech-related research on waqf and its implications for the institutions in effectively harnessing fintech in their activities. It adopted a qualitative research approach, relying on Scopus-indexed documents as the primary source of data. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using the Publish or Perish (PoP) tool, following the Systematic Literature Review with PRISMA procedure, and supplemented with content analysis. The results showed noteworthy insights, where Ascarya, A emerged as the most influential author, while Hudaefi, F.A. claimed the highest number of citations. The publication with the greatest influence was the International Publication of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, while the most influential affiliations were Universitas Airlangga and Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Indonesia was the most influential country in generating fintech on the waqf subject of the document. Among the 19 relevant papers examined, only 5 (26.32%) focused on the discussion of fintech's impact on waqf. This statistic highlighted the potential for further development of fintech by waqf institutions. Several opportunities for such development emerge, including the creation of waqf applications, the adoption of crowdfunding fintech, the exploration of waqf blockchain, the implementation of WaqfCoin, and the establishment of online platforms for public reporting of waqf fund activities.
"Heldenwörter" en la épica heroica en alto alemán medio: propuestas de traducción en el contexto de la "Rabenschlacht"
Authors: Zamora González Rafael
Published: October 2023

Este trabajo está dedicado al estudio de una porción del léxico épico tradicional empleado con frecuencia en el conjunto de obras pertenecientes al género de la épica heroica en alto alemán medio o mittelhochdeutsche Heldendichtung. En concreto, los términos que se analizarán son los llamados Heldenwörter (helt, degen, recke y wîgant), empleados en los poemas épico-heroicos para aludir al guerrero y dar cuenta de sus virtudes y cualidades. Para tal propósito se ofrecerá, primero, una visión global del género de manera que pueda señalarse la relevancia de este léxico en general y de estos términos en particular. Igualmente, se referirán las principales singularidades del texto que servirá de marco para analizar contextualmente estos términos: la Rabenschlacht, una epopeya compuesta en el siglo XIII. La última parte de este trabajo se destinará a evaluar los términos desde una perspectiva traductológica y se ofrecerá una propuesta de traducción para cada uno de ellos
“Little children learn on their own by observing and imitating.” Caregivers’ perspectives on cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices for children 0-3 years in lowland Nepal
Authors: Dulal Sophiya , Prost Audrey , Merom Dafna , Shrestha Bhim Prasad , Manandhar Dharma S , Saville Naomi M
Published: October 2023

Background
Caregiving is critical to children’s survival, growth, and development. In Nepal, national surveys highlight suboptimal caregiving practices for children aged under three years. Our study aimed to understand cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving practices for children under three in Dhanusha District, Nepal, to inform community interventions to promote Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Methods
We used qualitative methods to explore caregivers’ perceptions and practices related to cognitive and socio-emotional caregiving for children aged under three years. We purposively selected seven village development committees and conducted seven Semi-Structured Interviews (SSIs) with mothers (n=4) and grandmothers (n=3) of children under three years as well as four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with mothers (n=29) in Dhanusha District, Nepal. The SSIs and FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed in Nepali, translated into English, and analysed using the framework approach.
Results
Caregivers thought that young children learned new skills by observing and imitating parents and older siblings, but also that ‘real learning’ mostly occurred in school after three years of age. Socialisation processes differed by gender, as reflected in the cultural acceptance of gender-specific play activities: for example, boys were encouraged to play outside and girls to play ‘kitchen’. Mothers and grandmothers engaged in stimulating activities with their children, but these activities were not perceived as ‘learning’ opportunities and were often limited by caregivers’ heavy workloads. Caregivers described good behaviours as children following parents’ instructions. Disciplining was frequent and included verbal and physical punishments. Mothers and grandmothers had primary responsibility for childcare, and the burden of responsibility was higher in households where husbands worked abroad. Mothers aspired for their sons to attain jobs, and for their daughters to have long and happy marriages.
Conclusion
We found several positive caregiving practices in communities of lowland Nepal, which provide an opportunity to develop a culturally appropriate intervention to support ECD. Our findings suggest that interventions to encourage caregivers’ engagement with their children should build on existing positive caregiving practices without burdening caregivers’ daily lives. Involving fathers and grandmothers in ECD interventions in addition to mothers may be beneficial in promoting children’s development.
Nomograms for predicting overall survival and progress-free survival in postoperative lip squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheng Hao , Xu Jin-Hong , He Jia-Qi , Xu Xue-Lian
Published: October 2023

Background
To obtain an individualized prediction of lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is essential. This study aimed to create predictive models to predict the prognosis of postoperative LSCC patients.
Methods
A total of 136 postoperative LSCC patients diagnosed between June 2012 and June 2018 were enrolled from two medical institutions and randomly divided into the training and validation groups at a ratio of 7:3. According to the results of the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, two nomograms were established to predict the overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of postoperative LSCC patients.
Results
The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that higher pathological grade, age ≥ 70 years, higher T-stage, positive lymph node metastasis (LNM), perineural invasion (PNI), vascular invasion (VI), and positive surgical margin were independent predictors of inferior OS. Meanwhile, higher pathological grade, age ≥ 70 years, higher T-stage, LNM, PNI, and positive surgical margin were independent predictors of inferior PFS. Based on the results above, two nomograms were constructed to predict 3- and 5-year OS and PFS in patients with LSCC. The C-indexes of the OS and PFS nomograms were 0.865 and 0.801 in the training group, and 0.915 and 0.815 in the validation group. The calibration curves showed satisfactory consistency between predicted and actual observed survival rates. The outperformance of the nomogram compared with the other predictors involved was shown by the decision curve analysis (DCA). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed statistical discrimination for the high-, medium-, and low-risk groups.
Conclusion
This retrospective study established and validated two nomograms for predicting OS and PFS in patients with postoperative LSCC, which has a good clinical individualized application value.
A Field Study on the Uptake of Cd by Phytolacca americana L. (pokeweed）Supplied with Nitrogen and Organic Fertilizers in Red Soil Regions
Authors: zhang zhenhua , Yu Cigang , Wang Qi , Wang Changyong , Tian Wei
Published: October 2023

Application of fertilizers to enhance cadmium phytoextraction in light to moderately Cd-contaminated agricultural soils has become an increasingly common strategy. A randomized complete block design was used to examine Cd uptake and assess Cd accumulation by Phytolacca americanaL (pokeweed) treated with ammonium sulfate (AS treatment), urea (UR), organic fertilizer (OF) and no fertilizer (CK) under field conditions. The maximum aboveground dry biomass of 53.71 g, 51.40 g, 46.78 g and 39.36 g was recorded for the AS, UR, OF and CK treatments, respectively, within approximately 90 days and the biomass was in the order of leaf > stem > root for each treatment. No significant difference was almost observed in biomass between the four treatments at the current application rates. The Cd concentration in leaves was the highest for AS, UR, CK and OF with 31.64 mg/kg, 20.54 mg/kg, 16.70 mg/kg and 12.09 mg/kg, respectively. With regard to Cd concentration, leaves were significantly higher in AS than in the other treatments, stems displayed significant differences between AS and OF at three harvests and roots showed no significant difference between all treatments. The highest BCF and TF values were 16.36 and 2.44 for CK, 10.46 and 2.44 for OF, 19.26 and 2.54 for UR, and 31.14 and 3.67 for AS, respectively. The supply of ammonium sulfate significantly increased the BCF compared to CK. There was no significant difference in TF between all treatments. The highest level of Cd accumulation in pokeweed reached 1.34mg/plant in the AS treatment and was 2.6 times higher than in the CK in the about 90 days, suggesting that pokeweed could be used as a tool plant for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated farmlands in red soil regions.
Improving environmental pollution through bank-based development: Does it work?
Authors: Boadi Isaac , Sogah Ernest , Gborse Freeman Christian , Mawutor John Kwaku Mensah , Ayiku Andrews , Antwi Solomon Kofi
Published: October 2023

Given the global nature of many environmental issues, this research investigates the relative importance of bank-based development in elucidating the heterogeneity in environmental pollution across three (3) income levels and six (6) regional characteristics. This study carefully sampled sixty-two (62) countries based on data availability from 1960 to 2020. A two-step system, Generalized Methods Moments (GMM was selected for the estimations. The result revealed that bank-based development has a direct influence on environmental pollution, indicating that higher bank-based development, hinders environmental quality. However, the turning point of the relationship finds a negative coefficient of bank-based development. Thus, at first, there is a significant rise in bank -based development practices cause a rise in carbon emissions, which begins to fall after a certain point. Varied results are produced when income levels and regional characteristics are considered. The unfavorable relationship between bank-based development and environmental pollution increases the need for severe pro-carbon emission policies and laws. While implementing these policies, carbon-reducing technologies that are environmentally beneficial in the financial sector should be considered. The research on the damage that bank-based development does to the environment is linked to the advanced economies and markets. Consideration of a study that combines a subset of the dataset with different income classifications and regional blocks enriches the existing body of knowledge.
Seasonal variations in insect herbivory on woody plant seedlings along a subtropical elevational gradient
Authors: Wang Xiaoran , Chen Lin , Zhang Hongwei , Liu Pengcheng , Zhang Zhaochen , Shang Xiaofan , Wang Fang , Shu Li , Ma Luwen , Lu Yaoshun , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2023

Plant-herbivore interactions hold that seedlings are more vulnerable to insect predation in warmer and more stable climates at lower elevations. Several hypotheses of plant apparency, resource concentration, and resource availability have been proposed to explain the variability in leaf herbivory, but seasonal variations of leaf herbivory on seedlings are unclear. To address this, we measured the rate and frequency of leaf herbivory in understory seedling communities in a subtropical forest in two seasons (May and October), covering an elevational gradient from 290 m to 1370 m. Overall, 2,890 leaves of 696 seedling individuals belonging to 96 species. Simple linear models were used to assess the effects of biotic (leaf area, seedling height, community height, and plant diversity) and abiotic factors (light and soil nutrients) in leaf herbivory. Results showed that seedlings exhibited single-peaked elevational patterns of leaf herbivory rates and frequencies only early in May. The effects of drivers on leaf herbivory differed in two seasons. Leaf herbivory was influenced by leaf area, seedling height, plant diversity, canopy openness and soil nutrients in May, while mediated mainly by seedling height, plant diversity and soil nutrients in October. The findings only support the resource concentration hypothesis, with lower leaf herbivory on seedling leaves in high plant diversity, but are contrary to those predicted by the hypotheses of plant apparency and resource availability. Overall, our study highlights the importance of seasonal herbivory variations toward a comprehensive understanding of leaf herbivory in subtropical forests.
Detection Algorithms for Gastrointestinal Perforation Cases in the Medical Information Database Network (MID-NETⓇ) in Japan
Authors: Tanigawa Masatoshi , Kohama Mei , Hirata Kaori , Izukura Rieko , Kandabashi Tadashi , Kataoka Yoko , Nakashima Naoki , Kimura Michio , Uyama Yoshiaki , Yokoi Hideto
Published: October 2023

Background The Medical Information Database Network (MID-NET®) in Japan is a vast repository providing an essential pharmacovigilance tool. Gastrointestinal perforation (GIP) is a critical adverse drug event, yet no well-established GIP identification algorithm exists in MID-NET®.Methods This study evaluated 12 identification algorithms by combining ICD-10 codes with GIP therapeutic procedures. Two sites contributed 200 inpatients with GIP-suggestive ICD-10 codes (100 inpatients each), while a third site contributed 165 inpatients with GIP-suggestive ICD-10 codes and antimicrobial prescriptions. The positive predictive values (PPVs) of the algorithms were determined, and the relative sensitivity (rSn) among the 165 inpatients at the third institution was evaluated.Results A trade-off between PPV and rSn was observed. For instance, ICD-10 code-based definitions yielded PPVs of 59.5%, whereas ICD-10 codes with CT scan and antimicrobial information gave PPVs of 56.0% and an rSn of 97.0%, and ICD-10 codes with CT scan and antimicrobial information as well as three types of operation codes produced PPVs of 84.2% and an rSn of 24.2%. The same algorithms produced statistically significant differences in PPVs among the three institutions. Combining diagnostic and procedure codes improved the PPVs. The algorithm combining ICD-10 codes with CT scan and antimicrobial information and 80 different operation codes offered the optimal balance (PPV: 61.6%, rSn: 92.4%).Conclusion This study developed valuable GIP identification algorithms for MID-NET🄬, revealing the trade-offs between accuracy and sensitivity. The algorithm with the most reasonable balance was determined. These findings enhance pharmacovigilance efforts and facilitate further research to optimize adverse event detection algorithms.
Heart Failure, Recurrent Vascular Events and Death in Patients with Ischemic Stroke - Results of the MonDAFIS study
Authors: Tütüncü Serdar , Olma Manuel , Kunze Claudia , Dietzel Joanna , Schurig Johannes , Rosenkranz Michael , Stingele Robert , Maschke Matthias , Heuschmann Peter , Kirchhof Paulus , Laufs Ulrich , Nabavi Darius , Röther Joachim , Thomalla Götz , Veltkamp Roland , Endres Matthias , Häusler Karl Gerog
Published: October 2023

Background
Heart failure (HF) is associated with poor outcome after stroke, but data from large prospective trials are sparse.
Methods
We assessed the impact of HF on clinical endpoints in patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) enrolled in the prospective, multicenter Systematic Monitoring for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (MonDAFIS) trial. HF was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 55% or a history of HF on admission. The composite of recurrent stroke, major bleeding, myocardial infarction, and all-cause death, and its components during the subsequent 24 months were assessed. We used estimated hazard ratios in confounder-adjusted models.
Results
Overall, 410/2,562 (16.0%) stroke patients fulfilled the HF criteria (i.e. 381 [14.9%] with LVEF > 55% and 29 [1.9%] based on medical history). Patients with HF had more often diabetes, coronary and peripheral arterial disease and presented with more severe strokes on admission. HF at baseline correlated with myocardial infarction (HR 2.21; 95%CI 1.02–4.79), and all-cause death (HR 1.67; 95%CI 1.12–2.50), but not with major bleed (HR 1.93; 95%CI 0.73–5.06) or recurrent stroke/TIA (HR 1.08; 95%CI 0.75–1.57). The data were adjusted for age, stroke severity, cardiovascular risk factors, and randomization.
Conclusions
Patients with ischemic stroke or TIA and comorbid HF have a higher risk of myocardial infarction and death compared with non-HF patients whereas the risk of recurrent stroke or major hemorrhage was similar.
Trial registration number
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02204267
Risk factors for heterotopic ossification in traumatic brain injury: An analysis of the Korean National Health Insurance Service Data
Authors: Yoon Seo Yeon , Lim Hyunsun , Lee Sang Chul , Lee Jang Woo
Published: October 2023

We investigated the risk factors for heterotopic ossification (HO) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) using a large nationwide cohort, the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) data from 2002 to 2018. We included as many factors that could be defined using the KNHIS data as possible. A multivariable logistic regression model was used. Among 637,315 patients with TBI, HO occurred in 1,909 (0.30%) and more often in women than in men. The incidence increased in patients in their 50s and decreased in those in their 70s. Preobesity and obesity were also significant risk factors for HO, although HO was less common in current smokers. HO was more common in patients with rheumatic diseases and medical comorbidities and those who had undergone tracheostomies. Antiseptics were associated with an increased risk, whereas anticonvulsants, antithrombotics, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were associated with lower risks. HO was more common in registered patients with disability due to brain lesion. In conclusion, middle-age range, female sex, obesity, comorbidities, injury severity, systemic inflammation, and bony metabolism-affecting medications appear to increase the risk of HO in patients with TBI.
Intrusion Detection System into computer networks by K-means and XGBoost clustering algorithm
Authors: Razavi firuzeh , khadem hamed
Published: October 2023

These days, identifying malicious networks has been a subject of study for decades, and since the volume of network traffic is increasing day by day, there is a need for a successful intrusion-detection system that can make the identification process easier during attacks. It is felt to take decisions more accurately and in real time and faster processing. The purpose of this research is to detect intrusion into computer networks by combining K-means and XGboost clustering algorithms. The proposed method is performed in two stages. In the first stage, the pre-processing is done by normalizing and digitizing the data set, as well as removing outliers based on two PCA methods and reducing the dimensions of the feature, then using the learner. We use the k-means algorithm to find the optimal number of clusters, and finally we use the Elbow method to find the optimum number of clusters. The second stage consists of classifying malicious and normal network traffic from each other by combining K-means and XG-Boost algorithms on computing platforms. The experiments in this article were done using the NSLKDD data set and its implementation in the knime emulator platform the final evaluation results show the superiority of the error detection rate, and the accuracy and correctness of the proposed algorithm compared to other similar methods.
Effects of non-linearity and thixotropy in linear amplitude sweep testing for the evaluation of self-healing of bituminous binders
Authors: Baglieri Orazio , Miglietta Fabrizio , Tsantilis Lucia , Santagata Ezio
Published: October 2023

Linear amplitude sweep (LAS) tests have been demonstrated to have good potential in being used for the evaluation of self-healing properties of neat and polymer-modified bituminous binders. Past research works, however, have neglected the effects of material non-linearity and thixotropy. This implies that the whole material integrity loss is attributed to damage and all restoration to self-healing, thus resulting in the possible overestimate of both damage and self-healing when evaluating the fatigue performance of materials. In the study described in this paper, specific experimental and analytical methods were adopted with the purpose of separating non-linearity and thixotropy in LAS healing tests. Non-linearity was assessed by means of multiple strain sweep tests carried out to determine the material non-linear viscoelastic moduli at specific testing temperatures. Thixotropy was considered by coupling self-healing LAS testing with a purposely defined test in which loading was applied to the undamaged material after a rest period equal to that applied in self-healing tests. Obtained results were processed by means of an analytical approach based on the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model. Quantification of self-healing included the determination of material integrity and damage parameters recovered after the rest period. Such parameters, calculated by excluding time-dependent and non-linear biasing effects, can be used as straightforward indicators of the self-healing potential of neat and polymer-modified bituminous binders. Moreover, obtained results substantiate the concept that time-temperature superposition is still applicable when non-linearity is incorporated into the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model.
Combination of a fascia iliaca block with low-dose low-specific-gravity spinal anaesthesia versus general anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery in the elderly: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Afeng , Lu Yanbin , Gao Huaixin , Jiang Liuqin , Xu Cheng
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Hip fractures are increasingly prevalent in ageing populations globally. Surgery is required, necessitating anaesthesia. Intraoperative hypotension adversely impacts outcomes regardless of anaesthetic type. This randomised controlled trial aimed to evaluate severe hypotension incidence with fascia iliaca block (FIB) combined with low-dose, low-specific-gravity spinal anaesthesia (LLSA) versus general anaesthesia (GA) for hip fracture surgery in the elderly.
Methods
In this single-centre, randomised controlled trial, 68 geriatric hip fracture patients were allocated to receive either FIB + LLSA or GA. The primary outcome was severe hypotension incidence, defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 65 mmHg for > 12 consecutive minutes. Secondary outcomes included vasopressor quantity, pain scores, rescue analgesia requirements, complications, and surgery characteristics.
Results
Severe hypotension occurred less frequently with FIB + LLSA (32.4%) than GA (67.6%) (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4-6.0; P = 0.004). Pain scores, rescue analgesia needs, nausea incidence, and hospital stay were lower with FIB + LLSA (all P < 0.05). No between-group differences occurred in complications or mortality.
Conclusion
For elderly hip fracture surgery, FIB + LLSA reduced severe hypotension, improved analgesia, and enabled earlier hospital discharge versus GA. FIB + LLSA appears advantageous for this population.
Prevalence, Characteristics and Psychiatric Co- morbidities of Migraine in Medical Students in Khartoum university and Its Impact on Their Daily Activities
Authors: Taha Ruaa Elsheikh Widaa , Taha Amro Elsheikh Widaa , Amin Mohammed Hammad Jaber , Awadal Heitham Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

Background: Migraine is a common neurological disorder with significant psychiatric co-morbidities and impact on quality of life. Medical students routinely have triggers, notably stress and irregular sleep, which are typically associated with migraine. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence, characteristics, and psychiatric co-morbidities of migraine in medical students and its impact on their life. Information about lifestyle variables was also collected.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, institutional based at University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine for 356 students chosen by a multi stage stratified sampling for the batch and gender, followed by a simple random sampling, through self-administered questionnaire about demographics, pain characteristics, accompanying and alleviating factors, triggers and aura symptoms if any. Associated disability, and psychiatric co-morbidities were assessed by MIDAS and PHQ- 4, respectively. Migraine diagnosis was made according to ID Migraine.
Results: The participants included 63.8% females and 36.2% males. Sixty-six percent of medical students confirmed of having 2 or more general headaches during the past 3 months. The prevalence of migraine was 27.25% in the whole study group; and 41% of the headache group. There was a female preponderance, though not statistically significant. Most students have an age of onset between 15-18 years old (61.9%), pressure pain type (39.2%), headache triggered by stress (12.3%), without aura symptoms (52.6%), and had a mild psychological distress (36%).
Conclusion: our findings indicated that there was a high prevalence of migraine among the medical students under our study, and these findings were consistent with those of previous studies in Iran and other countries. Further studies must be done, and attention must be paid.
Short Birth Interval and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Arba Minch, in Gamo Zone SNNPR Ethiopia: Evidences from Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites
Authors: Dalbo Mulugeta , Ayele Gistane , Getahun Dinkalem , Kote Mesfin , Baharu Alazar , Awoke Tadesse
Published: October 2023

Background
Short birth interval (SBI) is a leading threat to maternal and child health in Sub-Saharan countries. To tackle the problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends elapses of 33 months between two consecutive live births. However, most women in developing countries do not adhere to these recommendations.
Methods
Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the magnitude and associated factors of short birth intervals (SBIs) at the Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site (AM_HDSS). It was based on longitudinally collected data from January 2009 to December 2022. The inter-birth interval (IBI) was dichotomized as "short" when it is less than 33 months and "normal" when it is greater than or equal to 33 months. STATA version 17 was used to enter, clean, and analyze the data. A chi-square test was conducted to test the association between the short birth interval and explanatory variables. A multilevel logistic regression was fitted to determine factors affecting short birth intervals. AOR with a 95% CI was used to identify predictors and a P value less than 0.05 was used to declare the level of significance.
Result
From the 10,128 cohorts of reproductive-age women in this study, 4,340 (43%) experienced a short birth interval. Educational status (no formal education AOR 1.51 (95% CI: 1.09, 2.10), primary education AOR 1.48 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.07), occupation (sales and services) AOR 1.77 (95% CI: 1.34, 2.33), and home delivery AOR 1.83 (95% CI: 1.42, 2.45) and delivery attended by other than health professional and not assisted AOR 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.98), and parity three and above AOR 3.04 (95% CI: 2.60, 3.56), were significantly associated with short birth intervals.
Conclusion
The prevalence of short birth intervals in this study was 43%, meaning that 4 out of 10 women experience short birth related maternal health complication. Maternal education, occupation, parity, place of birth, and the person who attended delivery were factors significantly associated with a short birth interval in this study.
Emergence of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone–ENSO connection
under global warming
Authors: Park Jae-Heung , Kug Jong-Seong , Yang Young-Min , Park Hyo-Jin , Kim Geon-Il , Oh Ji-Hoon , Liu Chao , An Soon-Il
Published: October 2023

South America has been warming faster than the surrounding oceans in recent decades, leading to changes in its precipitation patterns, particularly the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) in the subtropical region. Through an analysis of observational reanalysis datasets, this study reveals an emerging link between the SACZ in the boreal spring and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the following winter. In recent decades, the variability of SACZ during boreal spring accompanies an anomalous precipitation dipole between tropical and subtropical South America, resulting in the development of a local meridional circulation. This convective activity over tropical South America, in turn, affects the Walker circulation over the Pacific, thereby influencing the evolution of ENSO events. Further analysis based on historical and future scenarios suggests that the lagged SACZ–ENSO connection is projected to be strengthened in the future, implying a high likelihood that the emergence of the observed connection in recent decades is attributable to anthropogenic forcing.
A Decade Under the Microscope: Analyzing Fetal Death Rates in the United States (2005-2021), a CDC Wonder Analysis
Authors: Chughtai Muhammad Aswab Iqbal , Younas Shandana
Published: October 2023

Background:
Availability of the CDC WONDER database provides us the opportunity to analyze fetal demise data from the last decade and uncover any underlying patterns.
To the best of our knowledge, these trends in the U.S. population have not been explored recently.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to determine the directionality of trends and the regional differences in intrauterine fetal deaths in the United States from 2005 to 2021.
Methods:
Data from the CDC WONDER (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research) database were inspected from 2005 to 2021 for fetal mortality in the U.S. Comparisons with respect to year, sex, race/ethnicity and geographic region were performed.
Results:
Between 2005 and 2021, 406240 total fetal deaths occurred. Total fetal deaths per year have gradually decreased over a span of 17 years from 2005 (25894) to 2021 (21105). On Comparison of the Census Regions, Census Divisions and States, the highest number of fatal deaths was in the South (168595; 41.5%), South Atlantic (90827; 22.4%) and California (43368; 10.7%), respectively. From the numbers provided, we determined that the Non-Hispanic white racial and ethnic group had the highest number of fetal deaths (148091; 36.5%). Of the fetal deaths on record, 52.7% were identified as male and 47.3% as female. 241714 (59.5%) of the fetuses weighed 1499g or less. 91.7% of the fetuses were from singleton pregnancies. 97.8% of the fetal fatalities were in hospitals. The highest number of deaths (21929; 5.4%) was at 21 weeks gestational age. 79.8% of the demised fetuses were delivered vaginally. 6.9%, 4.8%, 5.1%, 0.6% of the pregnant women were diabetic, chronic hypertensive, gestational hypertensive and eclamptic, respectively.
Diabetes mellitus increases risk of adverse drug reactions and death in hospitalised older people: the SENATOR trial
Authors: Chinmayee Anagha , Subbarayan Selvaranai , Myint Phyo K , Cherubini Antonio , Cruz-Jentoft Alfonso Jose , Petrovic Mirko , Gudmundsson Adalsteinn , Byrne Stephen , O'Mahony Denis , Soiza Roy L
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in older people. Older people with diabetes mellitus may be at especially high risk of ADRs but this risk has not been well studied. This study aimed to compare severity and type of ADRs in hospitalised, multimorbid older people with and without diabetes and secondly to assess the impact of ADRs on mortality, rehospitalisation and length of stay.
Methods: Participants in the SENATOR (Software Engine for the Assessment and optimization of drug and non-drug Therapy in Older peRsons) trial were assessed for 12 common and ‘other’ prevalent and incident adverse drug reactions using a blinded end-point adjudication process. Descriptive analyses, logistic regression and mediation analyses were undertaken.
Results: Of 1537 people in the SENATOR trial, 540 (35.1%) had diabetes mellitus (mean age 77.4 ± 7.3 years, 58.5% male). In the total population, 773 prevalent and 828 incident ADRs were reported. Both prevalent and incident symptomatic hypoglycaemia and incident acute kidney injury (AKI) were significantly more common in people with diabetes (p<0.05). Patients with diabetes had higher all-cause mortality at 12 weeks than those without (9.1% vs 6.3%, p=0.04). Mediation analysis revealed that mortality was significantly higher (OR = 1.43, Sobel test p=0.048) in people with diabetes and ADRs causing AKI.
Conclusions: Older multimorbid people with diabetes presenting to hospital with acute illness have significantly more ADRs than those without, and a significantly higher mortality that is mediated by medication-associated AKI and poorer renal function.
Characterisation and Prediction of Drought-Tolerance Genes of Nigerian Common Beans using Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: El-Sunais Yusha'u
Published: October 2023

The research aimed to identify and characterize genes associated with drought tolerance in Nigerian common beans using Genome-Wide Association Studies. A total of 200 common bean accessions and their phenotypic data were used for the study. The bean accessions were genotyped using the BARCBean6K_3 Infinium BeadChips and SNPs were called using Genome Studio V2011.1. A filtering process was applied to remove any SNPs that had a high missing data rate (> 10%), a high heterozygosity rate (> 10%), or a low minor allele frequency (< 5%). The remaining SNPs were 3385, which were used for data analysis using GLM, MLM, and FARM-CPU statistical models corrected with PCA and Kinship to detect significant SNPs. These SNPs were then identified using the Andean whole-genome reference sequence Pvulgaris442_v2.1 for candidate genes within 50 kilobases (50kb) on either side of the SNPs. The results of the study revealed that the SNP density within 1 Megabase (Mb) regions showed significant variation in Pv02, Pv03, Pv04, Pv07, Pv08, and Pv11, indicating that these regions likely contain genes associated with drought tolerance. A total of 7 significant SNPs (S2_48101058, S3_8020543, S7_613684, S7_4257528, S8_57314881, S4_18561541 and S4_40027357) were identified, which yielded 10 candidate genes for drought tolerance. Four genes (Phvul.001G032600, Phvul.001G064300, Phvul.001G063500 and Phvul.001G064000) were reported to be involved in drought-tolerance, response to osmotic stress and response to water stress. The remaining six genes (Phvul.001G031900, Phvul.001G031300, Phvul.001G037000, Phvul.001G037100, Phvul.001G037200 and Phvul.001G067300) were enzymes and proteins responsible for plant growth and development, as well as for their resistance to environmental stress. The findings of the research contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis of drought tolerance in common beans, which can be applied to other crop species and regions.
A Novel Variant in NSUN2 Causes Intellectual Disability in a Chinese Family
Authors: Yang Qi , Zhang Qiang , Qin Zailong , Yi Shang , Luo Jingsi
Published: October 2023

NSUN2-intellectual disability syndrome, also known as intellectual disability type 5 (MRT5), is an autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by intellectual disability (ID), postnatal growth retardation, dysmorphic facies, microcephaly, short stature, developmental delay, language impairment and other congenital abnormalities. The disease is caused by mutations in the NSUN2 gene, which encodes a tRNA cytosine methyltransferase that has an important role in spindle assembly during mitosis and chromosome segregation. In this study, we recruited a family that had two individuals with ID. Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify a homozygous frameshift variant (c.1171_1175delACCAT( p.Thr391fs*18*)) in NSUN2 (NM_017755.5) in the proband. The varint was confirmed as segregating in his affected brother and his parents by Sanger sequencing. The individuals that we described showed a similar dysmorphology profile to that associated with MRT5. To analyze the correlations between genotypes of NSUN2 and phenotypes of individuals with ID, we examined 13 variants and the associated phenotypes from 27 ID individuals in current and previous studies. We concluded that mutations in NSUN2 cause a wide range of phenotypic defects. Although some clinical manifestations were highly variable, the core phenotypes associated with NSUN2 mutations were dysmorphic facies, microcephaly, short stature, ID, growth restriction, language impairment, hypotonia and delayed puberty. Our study expands the genetic spectrum of NSUN2 mutations and helps to further define the genotype-phenotype correlations in MRT5.
Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium: a case report
Authors: liu pei , An Guangqi , Li shu , Lu chenyu Lu , Chen Haoxiang , Du Du liping , Jin xuemin
Published: October 2023

Background
This case report describes a patient with Congenital Simple Hamartoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CSHRPE) who underwent vitrectomy surgery to relieve vitreomacular traction (VMT) and observed the resulting effect.
Case presentation:
A 10-year-old child with a history of poor vision since childhood visited our hospital. The child was diagnosed with CSHRPE based on clinical manifestations and multimodal imaging examinations, including fundus color photography, fluorescein angiography, OCT, and ultrasound. The tumor was located in the macular area and was accompanied by noticeable VMT. To alleviate VMT and improve vision, the child underwent vitrectomy combined with air tamponade. Postoperative follow-up revealed improved vision, significant improvement in the retinal structure of the macular area, and near-normal fovea. However, there were also small gaps between retinal layers, pigmentation, and some residual hyperreflective lesions.
Conclusions
Relieving VMT in patients with CSHRPE can help improve vision and restore the retinal structure in the macular area. It is possible that CSHRPE primarily affects the outer layer of the retina rather than the entire thickness.
Specific immune status in patients with active thyroid-associated orbitopathy before and after methylprednisolone therapy
Authors: Song Shihan , Li Wei , Tu Yunhai , Chen Lili , Fang Yenan , Shen Bingyan , Wu Wencan
Published: October 2023

Purpose:Therapy with intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) is a safe, effective, and cost-effective first-line treatment modality used by most clinicians to treat thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO). The disturbing of immune function play key roles in the pathogenesis of TAO. However, the impact of GCs on immune status in TAO patients is unclear.This study aim to investigate the influence of intravenous methylprednisolone(IVMP) pulse administration on the immune status of patients with active TAO.
Methods:Patients with active moderate-to-severe TAO were enrolled. All patients treated with IVMP pulses (6×0.5 g on a weekly schedule, accumulating dosage: 3.0 g) throughout the study period. Immune status was assessed using the peripheral blood of patients before and after IVMP pulse treatment by using mass cytometry for accurate immunotyping of cell populations. Patients’ clinical activities were assessed using the clinical activity score (CAS). Statistical analyses were performed using t-test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results:Six patients with active moderate-to-severe TAO were recruited. The CAS decreased significantly from a median of 4.2 (range 3.0–5.0) to 1.5 (1.0–2.0) after IVMP pulse therapy. The rate of activated T cells (expressing HLA-DR), central memory Th1 cells, central memory Th2 cells, conventional DC (cDC) cells in TAO patients have been decreased after IVMP pulse therapy, but the rate of natural killer cells increased.
Conclusion:The relieved of the CAS in patients with active TAO receiving IVMP therapy, were accompany with a decrease in activated T cells, central memory T cells and cCDs.
The origin of the ionic atmospheric particulate matter in a southern Mediterranean city by method cross-checking
Authors: KCHIH Hassen , Perrino Cinzia , Cherif Semia
Published: October 2023

In order to trace the origin of the atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and their water-soluble ionic components, the airbone particles were first collected on PTFE filters than analyzed by ion chromatgoraphy at different sites in the southern Mediterranean city of Tunis (Tunisia) where very rare studies on air pollution are available. These analysis allowed the calculation of the matrix of correlation, the neutralization factors, the ions ratio values and the ionic temporal variation essentially during a sand storm for three different sites: Traffic, Industrial and Urban Background sites. The innovative cross-checking of the various calculations confirm the non-marine origin of K+, Ca2+ and SO42−: soil dust origin of K+ and Ca2+, and combustion origin of SO42−. The Na+ and Cl− have pure marine origin, whereas Mg2+ has mainly a marine and slightly a crustal origin. NO3− and NH4+ have an anthropogenic origin, either from combustion and/or industrial origin. The acidic ions were essentially neutralized by NH4+ and Ca2+.
A Conducting Polymer-based array with Multiplex Sensing and Drug Delivery Capabilities for Smart Bandages
Authors: Meng Lingyin , Liu Sheng , Borsa Baris , Eriksson Mats , Mak Wing Cheung
Published: October 2023

Effective individual wound management, particularly in cases of prolonged healing and increased infection vulnerability, has prompted the development of wound theranostics, combining real-time diagnostic assessment and on-demand treatment. We present a multifunctional conducting polymer-based smart theranostic bandage platform that integrates pH sensing, pH-compensated uric acid (UA) biosensing, and on-demand antibiotic release using different conducting polymers, each leveraging their advantageous intrinsic properties. Specifically, the polyaniline-based pH sensor operates reversibly across a broad pH range (4–10), while the functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-based UA biosensor exhibits a linear response up to 0.9 mM UA. Simultaneous detection of pH and UA allows accurate UA determination via pH compensation. Upon detecting abnormal pH/UA levels, the polypyrrole-based drug carrier releases ciprofloxacin via an electrical stimulation (0.6 V), successfully inhibiting bacterial growth in vitro. The array is assembled as a 3D patch, connected to a flexible printed circuit board, and embedded in a wound bandage, offering potentials for remote wound monitoring, targeted treatment, and wireless wound management.
Informing existing Technology Acceptance Models: A qualitative Study with older Persons and Caregivers
Authors: Felber Nadine Andrea , Lipworth Wendy , Tian Yi Jiao (Angelina) , Schwab Delphine Roulet , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: October 2023

New technologies can help older persons age in place and support their caregivers. However, they need to be accepted by the end-users to do so. Technology acceptance models, such as TAM and UTAUT and their extensions, use factors like performance expectancy and effort expectancy to explain acceptance. Furthermore, they are based on quantitative methods. Our qualitative study investigates factors fostering and hindering acceptance among older persons and their caregivers for a variety of assistive technologies, including wearables, ambient sensors at home with and without cameras and social companion robots. The goal of this paper is twofold: On the one hand, it investigates the factors of technology acceptance models in a qualitative setting. On the other hand, it informs these models with aspects currently overlooked by them. The results reveal that performance expectancy and effort expectancy are relevant for acceptance. We also find that reliability, anxiety around technology and different social aspects have an influence on acceptance of assistive technology in aged care for all end-user groups. Our findings can be used to update current technology acceptance models and provide in-depth knowledge about the currently used factors.