bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Conditions for Tourism Development in the Upper Drainage Area of the Rakitnica River
Authors: Lepirica Alen
Published: November 2024

This scientific article presents a spatial- planning synthesis, natural characteristics of the area and various types of mountain tourism in the upper drainage area of the Rakitnica River. When preparing this scientific work related to the possibilities of tourism development, we primarily used field methods- observations with the use of scientific and professional literature. So research, in situ, by direct monitoring of natural processes, the occurrence of especially geomorphological, microclimatic, hydrological processes - for many years in all seasons. Based on the geological, geomorphological, climatological, hydrological, pedological and biogeographic characteristics of the area, with an emphasis on the additional diversity of the landscape, we determined the possibilities for the most acceptable types of tourism and recreation. From the aspect of spatial planning the study area located within the prospective National Park: "Bjelasnica, Igman – Treskavica with Rakitnica Canyon Valley".
PERAN PENDIDIDKAN BAGI KEHIDUPAN MANUSIA DALAM PANDANGAN AL-QURAN
Authors: Sahlan Fahmi , Nabil` Nabil , Dariyanto Dariyanto
Published: November 2024

Proses pertumbuhan kebudayaan dipicu dengan adanya pendidikan. Pendidikan sebagai kunci dari segala kemajuan kehidupan manusia sepanjang sejarah. Pada awalanya, pendidikan berkembang dari yang sederhana (primitive) dengan ciri survival, bertahan hidup dari ancaman alam sekitarnya. Dari sini manusia membuat keterampilan alat-alat untuk mencari dan memproduksi bahan-bahan kebutuhan hidup serta pemeliharaannya. Pendidikan di sini bukan hanya untuk pembinaan ketreampilan melainkan pengembangan kemampuan teoritis dan praktis berdasarkan konsep berpikir ilmiah.
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran pendidikan bagi kehidupan manusia dalam pandangan Al-Quran dan implementasi terkait Media ayat-ayat Al-Quran dan tafsirnya peran pendidikan.
Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pendidikan merupakan persoalan penting bagi semua umat. Pendidikan selalu menjadi tumpuan harapan untuk mengembangkan individu dan masyarakat. Pendidikan juga berfungsi sebagai alat untuk memajukan peradaban, mengembangkan masyarakat dan membuat generasi mampu berbuat banyak bagi kepentingan mereka. Oleh karena itu peran pendidikan menurut pandangan Al-Quran sebagai alat transformasi ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi dan terlebih-lebih sebagai alat penginternalisasian nila-nilai luhur ajaran agama dan budaya bangsa yang sesuai dengan syariat agama.
PENGARUH PROGRAM TAHFIDZ QUR’AN TERHADAP PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER ISLAMI PESERTA DIDIK DI MADRASAH ALIYAH NEGERI (MAN) 4 KARAWANG
Authors: Sumiyati Aan
Published: November 2024

In this research there are two variables consisting of the tahfidz Qur'an program and the Islamic character of students, so the aim of this research is to present an overview of the tahfidz Qur'an program, the Islamic character of students, and the influence between the two. in a correlational relationship. The population in this study were students at MAN 4 Karawang with a sample size of 35 people. Meanwhile, the method used in this research is a correlational method with a quantitative approach. This method was used to identify the influence of the tahfidz Qur'an program on the formation of students' Islamic character at MAN 4 Karawang. The results of this research show that 17% of the tahfidz qur'an program is in the low category, 69% is in the medium category and 14% is in the high category so it can be concluded that the average implementation of the tahfidz qur'an program at MAN 4 Karawang is in the medium category. As for the Islamic character formation of students, 9% are in the low category, 80% are in the medium category and 11% are in the high category, so it can be concluded that the average Islamic character formation of MAN 4 Karawang students is in the medium category. Based on SPSS in the coefficients table, it can be seen that the significance value (sig.) is 0.001 < 0.05 so it can be concluded that Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. This means "There is an influence of the tahfidz Qur'an program (X) on the formation of students' Islamic character (Y)." And from the analysis it is known that the R Square value = 0.27 so it can be concluded that the influence of the tahfidz Qur'an program (X) on the formation of students' Islamic character (Y) is 27.1% while 72.9% is influenced by other variables that are not included in in this research variable.
Actual problems of modeling thermal-hydraulic processes in fast neutron reactors
Authors: Kuzina Yulia A. , Sorokin Alexander P.
Published: November 2024

The results of studies on hydrodynamics and heat transfer processes in fast neutron reactors are presented. Data on turbulent momentum transfer in rod bundles are analyzed. It is shown that the intensification of turbulent momentum transfer in the rod bundle channels is due to large-scale turbulent momentum transfer (secondary currents). The intensification of interchannel turbulent exchange in close-packed lattices of rods is explained. A dependence is obtained for the dissimilarity coefficients of interchannel convective exchange forced by wire wrapping in bundles of rods. The methods and results of numerical modeling of thermal hydraulics using the Monte Carlo method, thermomechanical analysis of the temperature field in fuel rod assemblies in the lifetime process are presented. The results of modeling based on a water model of temperature fields and the structure of coolant movement in the primary circuit of the reactor in various regimes are presented. A stable temperature stratification of the coolant was revealed in the peripheral zone of the upper chamber of the reactor above the side screens. It is shown that the process of boiling liquid metals in fuel assemblies has a complex structure, characterized by stable and pulsating regimes and a heat transfer crisis. The agreement between the results of experimental and numerical modeling is shown. A cartogram of the flow regimes of a two-phase flow of liquid metals in fuel rod assemblies has been plotted. The influence of the surface roughness of fuel elements on the boiling process and heat transfer during boiling of liquid metals is analyzed. Long-term cooling of a fuel assembly with a “sodium cavity” above the reactor core in accident regimes with boiling of liquid metals is shown. The objectives of further research are formulated.
Biopolymer encapsulation for improved probiotic delivery: Advancements and challenges
Authors: Vijayaram Srirengaraj , Sinha Reshma , Faggio Caterina , Ringø Einar , Chou Chi-Chung
Published: November 2024

Probiotics, known for their health benefits as living microorganisms, hold significant importance across various fields, including agriculture, aquaculture, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. Optimal delivery and storage of probiotic cells are essential to maximize their effectiveness. Biopolymers, derived from living sources, plants, animals, and microbes, offer a natural solution to enhance probiotic capabilities and they possess distinctive qualities such as stability, flexibility, biocompatibility, sustainability, biodegradability, and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for probiotic applications. These characteristics create optimal environments for the swift and precisely targeted delivery of probiotic cells that surpass the effectiveness of unencapsulated probiotic cells. Various encapsulation techniques using diverse biopolymers are employed for this purpose. These techniques are not limited to spray drying, emulsion, extrusion, spray freeze drying, layer by layer, ionic gelation, complex coacervation, vibration technology, electrospinning, phase separation, sol-gel encapsulation, spray cooling, fluidized, air suspension coating, compression coating, co-crystallization coating, cyclodextrin inclusion, rotating disk, and solvent evaporation methods. This review addresses the latest advancements in probiotic encapsulation materials and techniques, bridging gaps in our understanding of biopolymer-based encapsulation systems. Specifically, we address the limitations of current encapsulation methods in maintaining probiotic viability under extreme environmental conditions and the need for more targeted and efficient delivery mechanisms. Focusing on the interactions between biopolymers and probiotics reveals how customized encapsulation approaches can enhance probiotic stability, survival, and functionality. Through detailed comparative analysis of the effectiveness of various encapsulation methods, we identify key strategies for optimizing probiotic deployment in challenging conditions such as high-temperature processing, acidic environments, and gastrointestinal transit. The findings presented in this review highlight the superior performance of novel encapsulation methods using biopolymer blends and advanced technologies like electrospinning and layer-by-layer assembly, which provide enhanced protection and controlled release of probiotics by offering insights into the development of more robust encapsulation systems that ensure the sustained viability and bioavailability of probiotics, thus advancing their application across multiple industries. In conclusion, this paper provides the foundation for future research to refine encapsulation techniques to overcome the challenges of probiotic delivery in clinical and commercial settings.
Social Media and Collective Action in China
Authors: Qin Bei , Strömberg David , Wu Yanhui
Published: November 2024

This paper studies how social media affects the dynamics of protests and strikes in China during 2009–2017. Based on 13.2 billion microblog posts, we use tweets and retweets to measure social media communication across cities and exploit its rapid expansion for identification. We find that, despite strict government censorship, Chinese social media has a sizeable effect on the geographical spread of protests and strikes. Furthermore, social media communication considerably expands the scope of protests by spreading events across different causes (e.g., from anticorruption protests to environmental protests) and dramatically increases the probability of far‐reaching protest waves with simultaneous events occurring in many cities. These effects arise even though Chinese social media barely circulates content that explicitly helps organize protests.
Aggregate Implications of Barriers to Female Entrepreneurship
Authors: Chiplunkar Gaurav , Goldberg Pinelopi Koujianou
Published: November 2024

We develop a framework for quantifying barriers to labor force participation (LFP) and entrepreneurship faced by women in India. We find substantial barriers to LFP, and higher costs of expanding businesses through hiring workers for women entrepreneurs. However, there is one area where female entrepreneurs have an advantage: the hiring of female workers. We show that this is not driven by the sectoral composition of female employment. Consistent with this pattern, policies promoting female entrepreneurship can significantly increase female LFP even without explicitly targeting female LFP. Counterfactual simulations indicate that removing all excess barriers faced by women entrepreneurs would substantially increase the fraction of female‐owned firms, female LFP, earnings, and generate substantial gains for the economy. These gains are due to higher LFP, higher real wages and profits, and reallocation: low productivity male‐owned firms previously sheltered from female competition are replaced by higher productivity female‐owned firms previously excluded from the economy.
Stationary Social Learning in a Changing Environment
Authors: Levy Raphaël , Peski Marcin , Vieille Nicolas
Published: November 2024

We consider social learning in a changing world. With changing states, societies can be responsive only if agents regularly act upon fresh information, which significantly limits the value of observational learning. When the state is close to persistent, a consensus whereby most agents choose the same action typically emerges. However, the consensus action is not perfectly correlated with the state, because societies exhibit inertia following state changes. When signals are precise enough, learning is incomplete, even if agents draw large samples of past actions, as actions then become too correlated within samples, thereby reducing informativeness and welfare.
Elogio de la “construcción densa”
Authors: Wacquant Loïc
Published: November 2024

Basándome en mi libro The Poverty of the Ethnography of Poverty ([2023]2025), defiendo la "construcción densa" como enfoque racionalista para enmarcar y realizar etnografías. Infundida por la epistemología sociológica de Pierre Bourdieu, la construcción densa es una "construcción al cuadrado", es decir, una construcción científica (analítica) de una construcción ordinaria (popular). Anclada en el concepto de espacio social, la construcción densa pretende esquivar el peligro del "etnografismo", la tendencia a querer describir, interpretar y explicar un fenómeno basándose únicamente en los elementos discernidos mediante el trabajo de campo. Nos permite evitar cometer una u otra de las cinco falacias orgánicas de la observación participante: el interaccionismo, el inductivismo, el populismo, el presentismo y la deriva hermenéutica. Esquematizo cómo la descripción densa, la teoría fundamentada (“grounded theory”), el método del caso extendido, el análisis abductivo y la construcción densa configuran el dúo teoría-observación. Evitando la falsa oposición entre concepto y percepción, la construcción densa pretende construir herramientas heurísticas para fabricar nuevos objetos. En este enfoque, contrariamente a las opiniones convencionales, la teoría no es el amo altivo, sino el humilde servidor de la investigación empírica como aproximación a lo real.
La biblioteca universitaria ante nuevos desafíos
Authors: Iribarren-Maestro Isabel , Arroyo-Vázquez Natalia
Published: November 2024

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Stratégies de légitimation et construction de l’autorité dans les discours vaccino-sceptiques et complotistes aux États-Unis. La mise en saillance comme outil de maximisation de l’adhésion de l’interlocuteur
Authors: Lenoir Damien
Published: November 2024

Cet article cherche à montrer comment des procédés de saillance syntaxique, grammaticale et lexicale permettent au locuteur vaccino-sceptique, voire complotiste, de construire la légitimité de son discours et son autorité en tant que locuteur en vue de maximiser l’adhésion de l’interlocuteur. La saillance est ici définie comme le résultat de procédés de focalisation reposant non pas sur des notions de structure informationnelle, mais sur la sélection d’un rapport interlocutif contrastif, polémique ou, au contraire, qui impose l’alignement des interlocuteurs vis-à-vis des points de vue afin de permettre la construction d’un point de vue dominant. Les procédés de saillance sont alors utilisés pour leurs effets cognitifs sur l’interlocuteur, par exemple pour topicaliser et/ou focaliser un élément du discours considéré comme présupposé ou comme une information partagée, ou pour leurs apports argumentatifs qui se manifestent, par exemple, par la restriction conceptuelle ou la réinterprétation d’un point de vue imposée par le locuteur, ou encore par l’usage de termes méta-discursifs qui accroissent le degré de validité du point de vue ou sa pertinence dans le débat.
Global Health and Access to Healthcare
Authors: Petrocheilou Argyri
Published: November 2024

Cystic fibrosis is the most frequent genetic disease in people of white racial background. New disease modifying medications have changed the course of the disease. However, these new medications are expensive, and are unavailable in many countries. The burden of CF disease remains therefore, considerable, thus leading to health care disparities between different populations and between countries. Early access to care improves health outcomes, thus CF neonatal screening has added to improved morbidity and mortality. Disparities in access to health care and to new therapies, further lead to diverse health outcomes. Patient organizations and health professionals are exploring ways to make newer therapies accessible to a larger proportion of the patients with cystic fibrosis.
Tuberculosis and Pollution
Authors: Hammouri Marwa , Al-Wawi Mohd Zaki , Konstantinopoulou Sofia Zaki
Published: November 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health issue worsened by pollution. Air pollution, including particulate matter and gases like nitrogen dioxide and ozoneleads to lung inflammation, which further increases the risk of TB. Water pollution from industrial waste and runoff introduces heavy metals which lead to impaired immunity, thus further complicating TB treatment. Occupational exposure to pollutants like silica dust further increases the risk of TB infection. Pollution also fosters antimicrobial resistance, making TB harder to treat. Vulnerable populations—urban residents, low-income communities, and high-risk workers—bear the greatest burden. Addressing TB and pollution requires stricter pollution controls, clean energy promotion, better sanitation, and global cooperation for sustainable health solutions.
Exploring Spatial Dynamics and Network Structures in Inbound Tourism Flow
Authors: Jin Yang , Zhang Mingkan , Huang Yan , Song Yang , Chen Xi , Jin Huihui
Published: November 2024

Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of structural functionalism and relational research perspectives, this study meticulously constructs and analyzes China's inbound tourism flow network spanning the years 2001 to 2023. Employing a diverse array of analytical tools such as the small-world model, rank-size model, structural equivalence model, core-periphery model, and various centrality metrics, the research delves into the structural characteristics and evolution patterns of China's inbound tourism flow network within a comprehensive spatial-temporal framework. Key findings include: 1) Small-world and scale-free properties with tourist flows concentrated in pivotal provinces. 2) Persistence of a U-shaped pattern in inbound tourism, with robust activity in eastern and western regions. 3) Presence of a core-periphery structure, with Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong as national hubs. This research enhances understanding of tourism industry spatial organization, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders in tourism development.
Exploring the Synergy of Online Micro-Videos and Network Teaching in Cultivating Innovative Skills
Authors: Gao Rui
Published: November 2024

This study explores the transformative impact of online course teaching platforms on modern education. Highlighting the limitations of traditional teaching methods in terms of time and space, the paper demonstrates how online platforms liberate learning from these constraints, enabling flexible, student-centered education. Additionally, it examines the role of online micro-videos in engaging students and enhancing learning experiences. Focused on addressing challenges in networked teaching, the research emphasizes strategies for fostering students' independent innovation skills within multimedia environments. Through empirical analysis, the study evaluates the efficacy of these approaches, offering insights into effective educational reform.
Assessing southern pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) success in eastern white pine (Pinaceae) on Long Island, New York, United States of America
Authors: Dodds Kevin J. , Janelle Jonathan , Schwager Kathy
Published: November 2024

Southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), has expanded its range further into northeastern United States pitch pine (Pinus rigida Miller) (Pinaceae) forests and established populations on Long Island, New York, since 2014. Although rare, small plantations of eastern white pine, Pinus strobus Linnaeus (Pinaceae), also occur on Long Island and may be attacked by D. frontalis, providing opportunities to assess economic and ecological impacts of the beetle in an uncommon host. We sampled overstorey tree health in three P. strobus stands to assess stand-level damage caused by D. frontalis and documented D. frontalis attack density and brood gallery estimates in P. rigida and P. strobus. Dendroctonus frontalis attacked 37–55% of trees in the stands. Attack density, successful brood galleries, and brood gallery length were higher in P. rigida than in P. strobus. There was variation in these variables among four heights on tree boles. No difference was found for unsuccessful galleries between the two pine species. Information on D. frontalis behaviour and colonisation success in regionally abundant stands of P. strobus will be helpful in assessing risk to the region.
Religion, water and climate change: Are theologies of African Initiated Churches in Zimbabwe adaptable?
Authors: Manyonganise Molly , Matutu Tawanda
Published: November 2024

An eco-theological analysis of African Initiated Churches (AICs) has revealed that most of these churches use water for a myriad of rituals ranging from baptism to consecratory rites. Their affinity with water even qualifies them to be dubbed water-based churches; yet, the world is faced with an imminent scarcity of this natural resource. The United Nations echoed that access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene are the most basic human needs for health and well-being; but it has observed that unless the water situation improves, by 2030, billions of people will lack access to these services because of climate change. Given this reality, there is a genuine need to examine the possibility of having the eco-theologies of AICs adapted to suit these emerging realities. The paper explores how water is used in the religiosity of the AICs in an effort to elucidate the possible challenges to be encountered because of climate change. It then examines the possibility of realigning the water uses to the current climatic trajectory. The article is largely based on desktop research which utilises secondary sources.Contribution: This article makes a critical contribution to the body of knowledge by making an analysis of the adaptability of AICs’ conceptualisation and use of water in a climate change context. An eco-theological analysis is crucial as it enables the nuancing of AICs’ theologies so that they conform to a world in a climate crisis.
Experiences of men who have sex with men in accessing HIV counselling and testing in Mdantsane Township, South Africa
Authors: Holiday Lusindiso , Khuzwayo Nelisiwe
Published: November 2024

Background: Despite scientific evidence of a rapid increase in the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) who test positive for HIV, many African states continued to ignore and exclude MSM in healthcare planning and provision, resulting in their reluctance and refusal to access healthcare services.Aim: This study aimed to explore, the lived experiences of MSM in accessing HIV Counselling and Testing services within the primary health care system in a township in South Africa.Setting: Mdantsane Township, outside East London, Eastern Cape province.Methods: This qualitative study was placed within the interpretive paradigm and employed a descriptive phenomenological research design. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants. The study was inductive and utilised semi-structured in-depth interviews and an interview guide to collect data. A descriptive phenomenological data analysis method was employed to process and analyse the data.Results: Five main themes emerged from the study, namely, (1) individual factors related to MSM’s experiences of nearby healthcare centres providing HCT; (2) interpersonal factors related to their experiences inside the clinic; (3) institutional factors related to lack of sensitisation; (4) community factors related to the role of public-private partnerships in improving healthcare services for MSM; and (5) public policy factors related to the role of government in ensuring accessibility of HCT policy to MSM.Conclusion: Access to HCT services for MSM in Mdantsane was levels and there is an urgent need influenced by a myriad of complex factors at different socio-ecological levels, and there was an urgent need for tailormade interventions at all these socio-ecological levels to address challenges.Contribution: This study contributes to scientific knowledge by bringing forth the voices of sexual minorities regarding the quality of healthcare service provision they expect to receive from their local clinics.
The road to defining African family medicine core values
Authors: Namatovu Jane Frances , Besigye Innocent K.
Published: November 2024

Not required.
Developing an Index to Measure the Value of Health Care Provided to Stroke Patients
Authors: Şengül Halil , Aydın Sabahattin , Önder Emrah , Bulut Arzu
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives:

It is possible to evaluate health services for stroke patients based on clinical benefits. However, in recent years, questions about responsiveness and outcomes have also emerged. Currently, there is no index that can assess health-care services for stroke patients along these three dimensions. This study introduces the first index designed to measure the value generated by health-care services for stroke patients.

Methods:

The Case-Mix Variables Data Collection Reference Guide, developed through a review of national and international stroke guidelines, underwent content validation by 10 neurologists and 10 interventional radiologists. Questions with a content validity index exceeding 0.80, along with the World Health Organization responsiveness questionnaire and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 short form, were subjected to pairwise comparison by two neurologists, two interventional radiologists, and two public health physicians using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method.

Results:

In the comprehensive ranking of questions formulated using the AHP method and assessed by experts for importance and global weights, new stroke follow-up emerged as the most crucial, garnering an index score of 0.09. Conversely, questioning patients about their alcohol use status was deemed the least significant by experts, registering an index score of 0.00021.

Conclusions:

Our AHP analyses have furnished an index for gauging the factors that contribute to the value of health-care services rendered to stroke patients.
Perinatal Depression and Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review from South Asian Countries
Authors: Bondade Swapna , Vignesh Rama Krishna , Krithika K. , Kongath Shahafas Ali
Published: November 2024

Background:

Breastfeeding is very beneficial to both mothers and infants. However, perinatal depression, encompassing both antenatal and postnatal depression, can significantly impact breastfeeding. Prior research suggests a link between postpartum depression and breastfeeding difficulties. This systematic review focuses on the duration of breastfeeding, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), initiation, as well as the early cessation of breastfeeding among mothers in South Asian countries with unique sociocultural practices and mental health experiences.

Methodology:

The searched databases were PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, ProQuest PsycINFO, EBSCOhost CINAHL, and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (gray literature) for relevant records till February 2024. Studies conducted in South Asian countries with cross-sectional, cohort, or case–control designs were included, and all interventional studies, qualitative studies, case reports, and case series were excluded. The review examined breastfeeding duration among mothers with perinatal depression. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies, extracted data, and used the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for quality assessment.

Results:

This systematic review identified 109 records, of which 14 were eligible. Ten studies were cross-sectional and 4 were cohort studies. It involved 11,944 perinatal women, with sample sizes ranging from 100 to 8189 participants.

Conclusion:

Perinatal depression was associated with shorter breastfeeding duration, especially EBF and early cessation of all breastfeeding. However, any association between perinatal depression and the initiation of breastfeeding was unclear. Overall, supporting mothers suffering from perinatal depression is crucial for successful breastfeeding practice. Certain limitations of the review were data heterogeneity, risk of recall bias in breastfeeding practices, and different data collection time points. Future research could study the various sociocultural and economic factors and biological mechanisms in breastfeeding and maternal depression.
Efficacy and Safety of Antiepileptic Drugs in the Management of Behavioral Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kaku Sowmyashree Mayur , Varshney Ananya , Ravi Dhwani , Moncy Ann Maria
Published: November 2024

Background:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often accompanied by comorbidities such as epilepsy and behavioral problems. The interplay between epilepsy, behavior, and language suggests a potential role for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in managing ASD-related behavioral issues. Despite some preliminary studies indicating possible benefits, the evidence remains inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AEDs in managing behavioral issues in individuals with ASD.

Methodology:

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and others) for double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English. Inclusion criteria focused on individuals with ASD exhibiting behavioral problems, with or without EEG abnormalities, treated with AEDs. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. The primary outcome was focused on investigating the efficacy of AEDs in improving behavioral symptoms, predominantly irritability, and aggression. We also investigated the safety profiles of the AEDs.

Results:

Seven RCTs met the inclusion criteria, involving AEDs such as valproate, levetiracetam, and topiramate. Two RCTs were excluded due to incompatible outcome measures. Meta-analysis of the remaining five RCTs showed no significant difference in the reduction of aggression and irritability between AEDs and placebo, with high heterogeneity (I2 = 93%). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the nonsignificance and high heterogeneity (I2 = 87%). Adverse effects commonly reported included insomnia and weight gain.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis found no significant benefit of AEDs in managing behavioral symptoms of ASD compared to placebo, consistent with previous findings. The high heterogeneity and methodological limitations highlight the need for more robust and larger-scale studies. Future research should consider the role of electroencephalography abnormalities and standardize outcome measures to better evaluate the potential of AEDs in this population or in a specific subgroup of ASD.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Cariprazine as Monotherapy for Acute Bipolar Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Laha Poulami , Basavaraju Rakshathi , Parameshwaran Soumya , Damodaran Dinakaran , Malo Palash Kumar , Bhaskarapillai Binukumar , Kesavan Muralidharan
Published: November 2024

Background:

Bipolar depression (BDep) presents a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options. The second-generation antipsychotics are increasingly utilized as primary or adjunct treatments. The use of cariprazine as monotherapy was approved by the US- Food and Drug Administration for acute BDep in 2019.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cariprazine as monotherapy for acute BDep compared to placebo.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials assessing cariprazine as monotherapy for acute BDep. The inclusion criteria encompassed English language studies comparing cariprazine as monotherapy to placebo, with outcomes measured within 6–12 weeks. The primary outcome measures included response and remission rates. The secondary outcomes included standardized mean differences (SMDs) in Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score changes from baseline to endpoint, dropout rates, and dropout rates due to adverse effects. The binary and continuous outcomes were analyzed using the Mantel–Haenszel and inverse variance methods, respectively, with RevMan 5.4 software. This study was done as the part of a network meta-analysis registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017077575).

Results:

Only four studies were eligible for the meta-analysis, encompassing 1747 patients. Cariprazine demonstrated significantly higher response rates (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.79) and remission rates (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.20–1.93) compared to placebo. SMDs showed that cariprazine was more efficacious (MADRS: SMD −0.24, 95% CI: −0.34 to −0.14, and HAM-D: SMD −0.21, 95% CI: −0.31 to −0.11). There was no significant difference in overall dropout rates and dropout rates due to adverse effects between cariprazine and the placebo arm. Hence, tolerability was comparable to placebo. Heterogeneity was not significant (I
2 = 0).

Conclusion:

Cariprazine monotherapy was found to be efficacious in acute BDep, with a significant number of patients attaining remission. It is comparable to a placebo in terms of tolerability profile. Future studies are required to understand its efficacy and safety as a prophylactic for preventing mood episodes in BDep.
Effect of long-term blood pressure trajectory on the future development of chronic kidney disease: an analysis of data from the Korean National Insurance Health Checkup Study
Authors: Hwang Wonmook , Lee Eu Jin , Park Jae-Hyeong , Ahn Soon-Ki
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent health issue that causes the irreversible loss of functioning nephrons, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Hypertension is the leading cause of CKD. However, the effect of long-term blood pressure (BP) changes on the development of CKD is still unknown. Therefore, the current study investigated the association between BP trajectory and the future development of CKD.METHODS: In this study, 246,874 individuals aged ≥40 years who underwent health examinations during the screening period (2002-2009) were evaluated. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectory was determined using latent-class mixture modeling. New-onset CKD was identified during the follow-up period (2010-2019). The association between SBP trajectories and new-onset CKD was assessed.RESULTS: In total, 111,900 adults (53,420 females, 51.9±6.4 years old) presented with 2 SBP trajectory classes: class 1 (n=66,935) and class 2 (n=44,965). During the follow-up period, patients with SBP trajectory class 2 had an approximately 2.1-fold increased risk of developing CKD (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.99 to 2.25; p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for other significant variables, SBP trajectory class 2 was significantly associated with CKD in males (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.19; p=0.037), but not in females (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.18; p=0.321).CONCLUSIONS: An elevated longitudinal BP was associated with a higher incidence of CKD in male participants aged ≥40 years. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to validate the clinical significance of an elevated SBP trajectory on CKD development.
Development and implementation of an artificial intelligence–enhanced care model to improve patient safety in
hospital wards in Spain
Authors: Huete-Garcia Alejandro , Rodriguez-Lopez Sara
Published: November 2024

MoreBackground:Early detection of critical events in hospitalized patients improves clinical outcomes and reduces mortality rates. Traditional early warning score systems, such as the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2), effectively identify at-risk patients. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) could enhance the predictive accuracy and operational efficiency of such systems. The study describes the development and implementation of an AI-enhanced early warning system based on a modified NEWS2 scale with laboratory parameters (mNEWS2-Lab) and evaluates its ability to improve patient safety in hospital wards.Methods: For this retrospective cohort study of 3,790 adults admitted to hospital wards, data were collected before and after implementing the mNEWS2-Lab protocol with and without AI enhancement. The study used a multivariate prediction model with statistical analyses such as Fisher's chi-square test, relative risk (RR), RR reduction, and various AI models (logistic regression, decision trees, neural networks). The economic cost of the intervention was also analyzed.Results: The mNEWS2-Lab reduced critical events from 6.15% to 2.15% (RR, 0.35; P<0.001), representing a 65% risk reduction. AI integration further reduced events to 1.59% (RR, 0.26; P<0.001) indicating a 10% additional risk reduction and enhancing early warning accuracy by 15%. The intervention was cost-effective, resulting in substantial savings by reducing critical events in hospitalized patients.Conclusions: The mNEWS2-Lab scale, particularly when integrated with AI models, is a powerful and cost-effective tool for the early detection and prevention of critical events in hospitalized patients.
Experience with Dog Sterilization Campaigns for Surveillance of Zoonotic Diseases in Ecuador: Building Bridges with Animal Organizations to Improve One Health Research
Authors: Rodriguez-Pazmiño Angel Sebastian , Orlando Solon Alberto , Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel
Published: November 2024

The extensive population of free-roaming dogs poses significant public health risks in low- and middle-income countries because of their potential role in spreading infectious and zoonotic diseases. This article discusses the successful collaboration between academia and nonprofit animal welfare organizations in Ecuador to enhance One Health surveillance despite limited research resources. This collaborative model could serve as a valuable example for other countries in the Americas and globally, where community-based strategies may improve One Health policies.
Changes associated with dietary beetroot extract on diet-induced damage in the common carotid artery of the albino rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Ndung'u Wanjiku , Nurani Khulud , Obimbo Moses , Odula Paul , Munguti Jeremiah
Published: November 2024

The high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHFr) has become widespread globally corresponding to a rise in obesity and cardiovascular diseases.  Traditionally, these diseases were managed by multiple-drug regimens whose adherence was limited by side effects, hence leading to consideration of natural compounds. Recent studies have exploited the phytochemical properties of numerous plant extracts in  ameliorating the histological changes seen in common carotid artery (CCA) damage, however, hardly any studies have investigated the  effect of beetroot extract. The CCA were obtained from a biobank of a study that induced HFHFr in 45 male rats. Rats in the control group  had received standard rat chow and water, and the positive control group received HFHFr. Those in the experimental group received  HFHFr and 200mg/kg beetroot extract. These rats were randomly selected, euthanized and perfused on weeks 4,8,10 and 16. Their CCA  were harvested, processed and stereological techniques applied to determine the densities of different histological components of the  CCA.The HFHFr fed experimental animals revealed medial vascular thickening with a resultant increase in carotid intima-media thickness,  increased vascular smooth muscle density, reduced elastic fiber density, and increased collagen fiber density compared to controls.  Beetroot coadministration was protective against most of these structural changes. Dietary administration of beetroot extract has been  found to be ameliorative to structural changes on the CCA following administration of HFHFr. Therefore, dietary beetroot extract may be  indicated to mitigate harmful changes following long term exposure to a high fat high fructose diet.
Rare origin of the third head of biceps brachii muscle, its clinical significance, review on incidence and clinical application
Authors: Shin Mya Thein
Published: November 2024

The anatomical variations of the biceps brachii muscle are well-known and well-documented. Awareness of these variations is necessary  to avoid complications during radio diagnostic procedures or surgeries in the arm. The biceps brachii muscle is one of the most variable  muscles in the human body, in terms of the number and morphology of its heads. Thus, the anatomical variations and gross innervations  pattern of the biceps brachii muscle were studied in the present work by using 62 arms from 31 adult cadavers. Among 62  studied arms, 26 arms (41.9%) were males, and 36 arms (58.1%) were females. During the study, the third head was found in seven out of  62 arms (11.3%). It was found that four out of 26 studied male biceps muscles (15.4%) revealed third heads while three out of 36 studied  female biceps muscles (8.3%) revealed third heads. Also, third head prevalence among male subjects was found to be nearly doubled  than those of female subjects. It was found that three out of 31 left-sided biceps muscles (9.3%) included third heads while four out of 31  rightsided biceps muscles (12.9%) included third heads. So, the third head prevalence on the right side was found to be higher than that  of the left side. Bilateral third heads were found in two out of 31 cadavers (6.4%) and three out of 31 studied cadavers (9.6%) had  unilateral third heads. There were three types of variations encountered in the origin of the third head. They could be categorized as (1)  infero-medial humeral origin was found in five arms (71.4%), (2) infero-lateral humeral origin was found in one arm (14.3%), (3) coracoid  origin was found in one arm (14.3%). The third head originated from the coracoid process of scapula together with the short head of biceps brachii was a rare variant found by Macalister in 1875. In the present study, it was found in one out of seven third heads (14.3%).  Based on the current literature review, it was the first time to find this rare origin of the third head since the day of the Macalister.  Understanding of such variations is helpful in preoperative diagnosis and surgery of the upper limb.
How the marketing performance influence the green marketing in 14 Algerian companies?
Authors: Terbech Mohammed , Sari-Hassoun Salah Eddine , Moumeni Abdelkader
Published: November 2024

The green marketing is one of the new economic topics as it plays a massive role in developing a new idea on different enterprises and their products. In this paper, we study the contribution of the marketing performance on green marketing composed of waste treatment, the relationship between price and cost, attitude toward the environment, and product creation. We make a survey of 14 Algerian companies (14 chiefs’ executive officer) originated from Maghnia city, which is in Tlemcen province (northwestern of Algeria) during the period of 2019-2020. The Pearson correlation test indicates that there is a strong and significant relationship between marketing performance and waste treatment at the level of 1%. We find also two average and statistically accepted relationships between marketing performance and attitude toward the environment, and between marketing performance and product creation at the level of 1%. However, the relationship between marketing performance, and price and cost indicate a poor and insignificant sign. Therefore, these outcomes show that each company should take into consideration the green marketing mix as a part of the enterprise culture in order to maintain a clean environment as well as satisfy the needs of its customers.
Economic and analysis of the sheep meat value chain in Algeria
Authors: Zemour Hafidh , Hadbaoui Ilyes , Zoubeidi Malika , Berrani Abdelkader , Mouhous Azzedine , Belhouadjeb Fathi Abdellatif , Ammam Abdelkader , Sadoud Mohamed
Published: November 2024

The main objective of this study is to comprehensively examine and analyze the various stages and components of the sheep meat value chain in Algeria. Specifically, this research aims to investigate the production, processing, distribution, and marketing aspects of sheep meat in a highly productive region within the Wilaya of Tiaret, located in northwest Algeria.A survey was conducted between 2019 and 2021, involving 57 breeders, 22 sheep dealers, 31 butchers, 2 slaughterhouse managers, and 510 consumers. The study identified two distinct marketing circuits for sheep meat in the region: one operating year-round and the other during the religious celebration of Aid El Adha. However, it was observed that the weak organization among the various actors in the value chain led to price fluctuations throughout the year.The study also revealed that sheep dealers had a lower net commercial margin than butchers, with an average of 5,902 DA per head for the former and a range of 7,200 DA to 8,200 DA for the latter, depending on the carcass category.The findings presented in this study not only contribute to academic knowledge but also serve as a practical guide for decision-makers, enabling them to implement policies that enhance the organization, efficiency, and sustainability of the sheep meat value chain in the Tiaret region.
Staff Relationship And Job Performance In Higher Institutions: The Nigerian Experience
Authors: Stephen Olenye Edeh , Florence Nguungwan Uzu , Victor N Adi
Published: November 2024

The study examines the relationship between staff and job performance in universities in south-south, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested by using multiple regression technique to justify the truth or otherwise of the hypotheses.  The tested null hypotheses were rejected and the alternate hypotheses retained. From the findings, it is observed that a significant correlation exists between the heads of department relationship with staff and job performance. There was also a significant relationship between role task analysis and job performance among heads of department. Based on the findings of this   study, it was recommended that there should be cordial relationship between heads of department and staff. This will help to enhance job performance in our institutions of learning.  A well-defined roles and tasks should be designed for departmental heads to provide leverage for them and pave ways for effective and efficient performance of their jobs. This will lead to the overall growth of the students, staff and the university community.