bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MINERAÇÃO NO FUNDO DO MAR:O PREÇO AMBIENTAL DAS RIQUEZAS SUBMERSAS
Authors: Ramalho Lisboa Júlia Maria , Teixeira Morais Cacilda Eliane , Kokke Marcelo
Published: December 2024

Este artigo analisa o impacto ambiental da mineração no fundo do mar, considerando a crescente demanda por recursos minerais e metais raros. O estudo adota uma abordagem metodológica indutiva, baseada em fontes bibliográficas e documentais. A pesquisa utiliza uma abordagem explicativa hipotético-dedutiva para compreender os riscos ambientais associados à mineração marinha, especialmente os riscos de desastres ambientais desconhecidos. Essa análise é fundamentada na teoria de Ulrich Beck e Anthony Giddens sobre os riscos globais e a modernidade reflexiva. O aumento do interesse por essa prática nos últimos anos ressalta a importância de avaliar cuidadosamente os benefícios econômicos em relação aos impactos ambientais, reconhecendo os potenciais danos irreversíveis aos ecossistemas marinhos.
POLIPATRIA E PERDA DA NACIONALIDADE BRASILEIRA:UM NOVO TRATAMENTO CONSTITUCIONAL
Authors: Rocha Drummond Vítor
Published: December 2024

Este artigo trata das alterações promovidas pela Emenda Constitucional nº 131/2023 nas hipóteses de perda da nacionalidade brasileira. Assim, objetivou-se, de forma geral, investigar quais são as hipóteses atualmente capazes de ensejar a perda da nacionalidade brasileira e quais deixaram de existir com o advento da aludida modificação constitucional. Para tanto, foi realizada uma análise comparativa entre as antiga e nova redações dos incisos do artigo 12, § 4º, da Constituição. Além disso, foi feito um levantamento de quais eram os maiores problemas e repercussões negativas da antiga redação na esfera de direitos dos brasileiros e se, com a modificação do texto constitucional, houve a solução desses problemas e uma mudança de premissas no tocante aos motivos justificadores da perda da nacionalidade ou se a alteração constitucional reproduziu os mesmos erros da antiga redação. A metodologia utilizada pertence à vertente jurídico-dogmática. No que concerne ao tipo de investigação, foi empregada a corrente jurídico-descritiva, tendo sido consultada a legislação vigente, a doutrina constitucionalista e internacionalista, bem como se utilizado de julgados dos Tribunais Superiores para a contextualização do problema. Ao final, foi possível constatar a correção de certos vícios da antiga redação e a eliminação de uma relevante situação ensejadora de perda, bem como uma importante modificação de entendimento no tocante aos motivos capazes de ensejar a perda, tendo ocorrido uma valorização da autonomia da pessoa.
DETERMINANDO O "PRAZO INDETERMINADO":DURAÇÃO E CRITÉRIOS DE AVALIAÇÃO DA MEDIDA SOCIOEDUCATIVA DE INTERNAÇÃO NO DISTRITO FEDERAL
Authors: Leão Yamada Beatriz , Bisinoto Evangelista de Oliveira Cynthia , Vilarins Natália Pereira Gonçalves
Published: December 2024

O Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA) inaugurou o paradigma garantista que vigora atualmente. Contudo, apesar dos avanços dessa legislação, o ECA estabelece que a medida socioeducativa de internação não comporta prazo determinado. A despeito da relevância dessa questão, a literatura sobre o tema ainda é bastante reduzida, com poucos levantamentos e informações imprecisas. Assim, foi realizada análise quantitativa e qualitativa a partir dos autos processuais e banco de dados estatísticos do Poder Judiciário no Distrito Federal. A análise quantitativa contou com 1.010 processos, utilizando a abordagem estatística de análise de sobrevivência. Por sua vez, a abordagem qualitativa utilizada foi a Análise Temática a partir da leitura integral de 10 processos. Como resultados, destaca-se que a curva de Kaplan Meier apontou para uma diferença estatisticamente relevante (p=0,048) no prazo de duração dos quatro atos infracionais de maior frequência (tráfico de drogas, roubo, latrocínio e homicídio). De forma complementar, a partir do aprofundamento qualitativo, quatro categorias principais foram identificadas nas justificativas judiciais para manutenção ou liberação do adolescente na medida socioeducativa de internação: tempo como amadurecimento; tempo como um roteiro e tempo como uma forma de punição. A partir dos dados, infere-se que há uma relação intrínseca - na avaliação quanto à permanência do adolescente - entre o ato infracional e a concepção acerca do tempo necessário para discernimento e maturidade. Dessa forma, os resultados obtidos trazem luz ao debate do tempo da medida socioeducativa de internação e revelam critérios que têm sido empregados como justificativa para manutenção dessa medida.
SISTEMAS DE TRABALHO DE ALTO DESEMPENHO EM UNIVERSIDADES PÚBLICAS FEDERAIS: CONTRIBUIÇÃO DAS PRÁTICAS DE GESTÃO DO CONHECIMENTO
Authors: Zarelli Paula Regina , Mendes Ligia , Bernett Deborah
Published: December 2024

Sistemas de trabalho de alto desempenho (STAD) envolvem um conjunto de práticas de gestão de recursos humanos para melhorar o desempenho dos colaboradores, promover motivação e um ambiente de trabalho aberto às contribuições. A adoção dos STAD, facilmente aplicáveis às organizações da iniciativa privada, abre oportunidade para investigar como as práticas de Gestão do Conhecimento (GC) contribuem no seu desenvolvimento na universidade pública. Assim, o objetivo geral da pesquisa é analisar a contribuição das práticas de GC no desenvolvimento de STAD na universidade pública. Para tanto, busca-se relacionar teoricamente os temas GC e STAD; identificar práticas de GC na universidade pública; verificar a comunidade de práticas (CoP) como instrumento para potencializar os STAD na universidade pública. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, empregando os métodos de revisão sistemática de literatura e pesquisa documental. A amostragem foi obtida por meio de pesquisa em dados abertos na página eletrônica de uma universidade pública federal do sul do Brasil, com obtenção e análise da adoção, uso e disseminação de práticas de GC alinhadas com os STAD.
A Guide to the Multidimensional Nature of Biological Information: Of Maxwell’s and Other Demons
Authors: Srinivasan Bharath
Published: December 2024

The intricate orchestration of molecular events that constitutes life, as we know it, is oftentimes ascribed to an intelligent design motive. It is portrayed as if a paranormal watch maker has engineered the assemblage of parts and events that eventually manifests as the clockwork precision with which ontogeny and evolution operate within the boundary conditions imposed by what we know as life. The debate between those who advocate evolution versus intelligent design as the shaping force for modern life forms persists. However, that is not the motive for this essay. Though there has been several studies and scholarly articles that aspire to decipher and present the complexity of the molecular events that constitutes life in an insular fashion, there is a paucity of resources for undergraduates that summarizes the complexity cogently, as parts of a whole, for appreciating the enormity of the multidimensional nature of biological information and the inherent contradictions that are embedded therein. The fluidity inherent in the way information flows through signalling networks, the way biomolecular architectures maintain homeostasis in the ying-yang of life and the way multicellular complexity evolves through precise cell-cycle control is inherent in the evolution, maintenance and reproduction of biological systems. The matrix of events that encode information at the sequential and structural level across different macromolecules is a fascinating jungle of information. Combining these with how small-molecule metabolites interact with macromolecules in a spatially and temporally coordinated manner to evolve signal over random noise generates a staggering picture of informational organization and relays that, most often, defies human comprehension. This perspective is an attempt to array the various sources of information and put them together in context to appreciate the nuances of how information is stored and relayed within the biological systems. Further, it speculates on how these multitiered organization of biological information could be adapted to guide synthetic biology approaches and the future of information storage and organization.
The Effects Mechanisms of Polymeric Materials Combined with Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Biome Features and Microbial Community Metabolism of Drip-Irrigated Wheat in Arid Areas
Authors: Sun Yan , Wei Chunying , Zhang Shenglin , Shao Changlong , Fan Hua , Hong Dashuang , Huang Hong , Wang Kaiyong
Published: December 2024

Polymers can be used as soil water-retention agents to slow down fertilizer nutrient release and improve soil properties. However, the mechanism of combined application of polymer and nitrogen fertilizer influencing soil biocommunity characteristics and nitrogen transformation is still unclear. In this study, the polymer PPM with water retention and slow-release functions was combined with nitrogen fertilizer (N100 treatment: 300 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilizer (traditional nitrogen application rate); PN100 treatment: PPM + 300 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilizer; PN80 treatment: PPM + 240 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilizer) to investigate soil biodiversity, enzyme activities, and metabolomics. The objective was to clarify the effects of combined application of polymer and nitrogen fertilizer on soil characteristics, biocommunity structure, and metabolites in drip-irrigated wheat fields in arid areas. The results showed that under the application of PPM, the contents of soil total nitrogen (TN), alkali hydrolyzable nitrogen (ANS), nitrate nitrogen, organic carbon (SOC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) increased with the decrease of nitrogen application rate, while soil bulk density, pH, and EC (electrical conductivity) showed an opposite change. The Chao 1 index of soil bacterial and nematode communities of the PN80 treatment increased by 30.63% and 10.68%, respectively, and the Shannon index increased by 2.72% and 2.64%, respectively, compared with those of N100 treatment, but there was no difference in the Pielo e index. The results of RDA (redundancy analysis) and co-occurrence network showed that combined application of PPM and nitrogen fertilizer improved soil physicochemical properties, and soil ammonium nitrogen, TN, SOC, and MBN contents were the key factors affecting the distribution of soil bacterial communities. In addition, in the short term, the addition of PPM affected the structure and composition of soil bacterial and nematode communities. Especially, the relative abundances of omnivorous (Aporcelaimellus) and bacterivorous (Prismatolaimus) nematodes increased significantly compared with those of N100 treatment, actively responding to changes in the soil environment. This regulated the soil microbial communities and metabolites, thereby promoting soil nitrogen transformation. This study will provide a scientific basis for nitrogen reduction, farmland environment protection, and agricultural production efficiency improvement in drip-irrigated wheat planting in arid regions.
Optimized La1-xSrxGa1-yMgyO3-δ (0.1 ≤x, y ≤ 0.3) Electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Applications: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Properties
Authors: Kioupis Dimitrios , Gaki Anna , Kakali Glikeria
Published: December 2024

This work explores the synthesis, structural characterization and properties measurements of La₁₋ₓSrₓGa₁₋ᵧMgᵧO₃₋δ (0.1 ≤x, y ≤ 0.3) compounds obtained with the aid of the wet chemical synthesis route (Pechini Method) and which were calcined for 10 hours at 1300 °C. La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ was successfully prepared as a single phase compound while La₀.₈Sr₀.₂Ga₀.₈Mg₀.₂O₃₋δ, La₀.₉Sr₀.₁Ga₀.₉Mg₀.₁O₃₋δ, and La₀.₉Sr₀.₁Ga₀.₇Mg₀.₃O₃₋δ exhibited high perovskite phase purity as secondary phases (SrLaGa₃O₇, SrLaGaO₄) were found to be less than 10%. However, La₀.₇Sr₀.₃Ga₀.₈Mg₀.₂O₃₋δ was obtained with significantly low perovskite content (57%) implying that the applied doping content lies outside the single-phase region for the La₂O₃ - Ga₂O₃ - SrO - MgO phase diagram. Rietveld refinement in combination with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis established the predominance of cubic structure (Pm3m) of La₁₋ₓSrₓGa₁₋ᵧMgᵧO₃₋δ compounds when doping with Sr2+ and Mg2+. An exception was the La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ that crystallizes in a combination of monoclinic (I12/A1, 80%) and cubic (Pm3m, 20%) perovskite phases. All compounds obtained crystallites at the nano scale (<100 nm) and open lattice pathways for ionic conduction. SEM analysis identified polygonal and spherical grains in Sr and Mg-substituted compounds, respectively while Mg-doped samples exhibited improved sintering and homogeneity. A 23 % increase in thermal expansion coefficient was observed when Mg doping increased from 0.1 to 0.2. However, Sr substitution decreased thermal expansion coefficients by 13 %. Increase Sr and Mg doping levels enhances the conductivity of the compounds (e.g. 0.12 S/cm at 800oC for La₀.₈Sr₀.₂Ga₀.₈Mg₀.₂O₃₋δ), yet the presence of secondary phases and crystal lattice distortion affects conductivity. Nevertheless, the presence of impurities and crystal lattice distortion can negatively affect ion conduction.
Safety and Immunogenicity of an mRNA-Based Rsv Vaccine and an Rsv/hMPV Combination Vaccine in Children 5 to 23 Months of Age
Authors: Snape Matthew D. , Moore Jennifer , Du Jiejun , Reuter Caroline , Penn Necois , Stoszek Sonia K. , Shaw Christine A.
Published: December 2024

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are common respiratory pathogens that cause severe illness in young children.
Methods: As part of an age-de-escalation clinical development program, a phase 1 trial of mRNA-based RSV (mRNA-1345) and investigational RSV/hMPV combination (mRNA-1365) vaccines was conducted in infants and children. Participants were randomized in equal numbers to mRNA-1345 (encoding RSV preF), mRNA-1365 (encoding RSV PreF and hMPV F), or placebo, in an observer-blind study. In a stepwise fashion, children 8 to 23 months of age (Part A) received a 3-injection series of mRNA-1345 (30 μg), mRNA-1365 (30 μg), or placebo. After Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) review of these data, infants 5 to 7 months of age (Part B) were similarly randomized to a 3-injection series using a dose escalation approach (starting at 15 μg). The primary study objective was to assess safety/reactogenicity; secondary objectives were evaluation of clinical RSV/hMPV infections and measurement of antibody/cell-mediated immune responses.
Results: In children 8 to 23 months of age (Part A), both mRNA-1345 and mRNA-1365 were well-tolerated and induced robust RSV-A and -B neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and preF-biased binding antibodies (bAbs). RSV-specific cellular responses assessed in a participant subset demonstrated higher type 1 T helper (Th1) than type 2 T helper (Th2) responses. No concerns were identified following active surveillance for respiratory disease through a full RSV season, and age de-escalation progressed to Part B (infants 5 to 7 months of age). Most participants (88.3%) in Part B met the criteria for “RSV-naïve,” and vaccination induced robust nAb and preF-biased bAb responses. In Part B, a protocol-defined study pause was triggered by 2 cases of severe RSV-lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI) in the 15 μg vaccine level recipients, all of whom had received 2 vaccine injections; as of October 2024 (the first RSV season post immunization), RSV-LRTI classified as severe/hospitalized was seen in 2/20, 3/20, and 1/20 of mRNA-1345 15 µg, mRNA-1365 15 µg, and placebo recipients, respectively. The respiratory illnesses in these children have resolved.
Conclusions: Vaccination with mRNA-1345 (RSV vaccine) or mRNA-1365 (RSV/hMPV vaccine) increased RSV nAbs in children aged 8 to 23 months, and induced de novo nAb responses in RSV-naïve infants 5 to 7 months old. Vaccination induced a preF-biased bAb response in both age groups and induced RSV-specific Th1 responses in older children. Study dosing and enrollment are paused while immunogenicity assessments and surveillance for respiratory infections are ongoing to better understand the increase in severe/hospitalized RSV LRTI observed among vaccinated, RSV-naïve, young children.
Trial registration number: NCT05743881
The Impact of Population Growth and Economic Growth on Carbon Emissions in Turkey: STIRPAT Model in ARDL Form
Authors: Altın Hakan
Published: December 2024

The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of population growth and economic growth on carbon emissions in Turkey. The STIRPAT ARDL model was used to analyze the effect of population growth and economic growth on carbon emissions for this purpose. The STIRPAT ARDL(4,0,4), the STIRPAT ARDL(4,4,3), and the STIRPAT ARDL(1,4,3) models were developed for this purpose. These models provide appropriate answers for the study's objective. As a result, population growth and economic growth are associated with increased carbon emissions in Turkey. These results are statistically significant and consistent with the literature. As a result of the results, policy makers will be able to identify two important factors when formulating sustainable environmental policies. The STIRPAT ARDL(4,4,3) model, however, failed to provide an adequate answer to the study's questions.
Effect of the Land Form on the Structure of Avian Communities in Urbanized Landscape in an Oceanic Island
Authors: Kopij Grzegorz
Published: December 2024

Small, isolated oceanic islands, exemplified by the Azores Archipelago, are especially vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions and human impact. The structure and dynamics of avian communities associated with various land form in an urbanized landscape in one of the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago were subjects of this study. Studies were conducted in the second half of April 2024. The line transect method (43 transects with a total of 37.4 km) has been employed to count all bird species breeding in the study area. The number of breeding species was much higher in green land (n=20) than in built-up lands (n=10-14 species). The number of breeding species were also different in particular subcategories of the built-up lands ranging from 8 to 12, being the lowest in the oldest most densely built-up lands. The number of dominant species (n=5-9), cumulative dominance (>85%) and dominance index were relatively high. Both cumulative dominance and dominance index were much higher in built-up urbanized lands than in green urbanized lands. Two main feeding guilds were distinguished in the study area: granivores and insectivores. The former guild clearly dominated over the later one in all major land categories distinguished. Clearly the proportion of granivores increased with the urbanization. A general trend is recorded: the higher the level of urbanization, the lower the percentage of green land forms, and in consequence, the lower the number of bird species and diversity indices, but the higher the cumulative dominance and dominance index. The overall density of birds remain, however, distinctively similar.
A Comparative Study of Supervised Machine Learning for Effective Bots Accounts Detection on Kaggle
Authors: Owolabi Daniel Oluwatise , Onobhayedo Pius
Published: December 2024

Kaggle is an online platform for data scientists, machine learning engineers, and researchers to access datasets, compete in machine learning competitions, collaborate with other data scientists, and develop and showcase their data science skills. Bot accounts can cause a variety of issues, including inflating the popularity of certain content artificially, simulating user activity to affect rankings or ratings, spreading spam, stealing data, or carrying out cyberattacks. Despite Kaggle's prominent focus on data science and its robust community of data scientists, the platform has been notably neglected in terms of addressing the pervasive issue of bot activity within the platform. Recognizing this gap, this study embarks on a comparative investigation of supervised machine learning algorithms tailored for detecting bot accounts effectively within the Kaggle ecosystem. The dataset consists of 799 users, of which 400 were labeled as bots, and 399 were labeled as real users. The study found that the Random Forest classification algorithm had the best evaluation metrics compared to other algorithms used in detecting bots. Feature importance analysis was also conducted to identify the most relevant features in differentiating between bot and real accounts. Overall, the study provides a useful framework for identifying bot accounts on Kaggle, which can be applied in other similar platforms to improve their user verification and security systems.
THE IMPACT OF LACTATION EDUCATION AND FAMILY SUPPORT ON BREASTFEEDING CONFIDENCE IN THIRD TRIMESTER FIRST-TIME MOTHERS AT TARUS HEALTH CENTER, KUPANG
Authors: Fajriah Asruria Sani , Mase Flora A. , Putri Santy Irene
Published: December 2024

Background: Breastfeeding is essential for providing newborns with necessary nutrients crucial for growth and development. Lactation management involves preparing mothers and families to support successful breastfeeding. Self-efficacy, or a mother's confidence in her ability to breastfeed, influences her decision to breastfeed and her response to challenges.

Method: This study employed a one-group pretest-posttest design, focusing on third-trimester primigravida mothers in the Tarus Community Health Center working area, Kupang Regency, with a population of 67. Using purposive sampling, the study evaluated the impact of education on lactation management and family support on breastfeeding self-efficacy.

Result: The Wilcoxon test results showed a significant improvement in self-efficacy after the intervention (Asym.Sig = 0.000, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that providing education on lactation management and family support can significantly enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy in expectant mothers, thereby promoting successful breastfeeding practices.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF COMPLIANCE IN CONSUMING FE TABLETS AND THE INCIDENT OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE TRIMESTER III
Authors: Prameswari Veryudha Eka
Published: December 2024

Background: The type of anemia that often occurs in pregnancy is caused by a deficiency of iron (Fe) which can be called iron nutritional anemia. The incidence of anemia in pregnant women at PMB Diya Amanatur Rohmah is still relatively high, namely around 60%. Compliance is obedience to fulfill the recommendations of health workers without coercion. The low compliance with iron supplementation is supported by the percentage of compliance carried out by previous researchers. Of the 43 respondents who complied with consuming Fe tablets, there were 69.8% of respondents.

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between adherence to consuming Fe tablets and the incidence of anemia in third trimester pregnant women. This research uses quantitative research methods.

Method: This cross-sectional study involved pregnant women receiving care at BPM Diya Amanatur Rohmah, Kesamben, Jombang. A total of 34 respondents were selected through purposive sampling between January 8 and 30, 2023. Data collection was conducted using a compliance questionnaire, and analysis was performed using the chi-square test.

Results: The results of the study used the chi-square test and obtained p-value = 0.000. Because the p-value < α (0.05), there is a relationship between adherence to consuming Fe tablets and the incidence of anemia in third trimester pregnant women

Conclusion: Health workers can provide education about anemia by giving a health education about the benefits of Fe tablets and the importance of being obedient to consuming Fe
ATTITUDES OF HEALTH WORKERS IN TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE TOWARDS SEXUAL MINORITY GROUPS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Sugiyani Sugiyani , Hanifah Yasmin Hanah , Septiana Yesika Cahya , Lutfiah Tarisa Azahro , Lutfinayati Sofia , Aristawati Tustika , Fadila Hanifa Silmi , Lunmisay Yulsel V , Kusumastuti Wijayanti , Safitri Tariza Linda , Pratiwi Wahyu Dewi Ika , Maharani Yasmin Cikal , Nurhidayati Siti
Published: December 2024

Background: Health workers are social beings with personal perceptions and opinions about standards of sexual normality. Sexual minorities are vulnerable in accessing health services. Minority groups in Singapore are considered criminals and are not generally accepted by society and health workers such as doctors. Whereas in Taiwan, although the government has legalized same-sex marriage, minority groups still experience rejection by the community and health workers such as nurses. This is due to stigma, homophobia, and heterosexism.

Objectives: Reviewing literature that discusses health workers perceptions of sexual minorities in providing health services.

Methods: This scoping review used the H. Arksey & L. O'Malley framework with a journal article selection process using PRISMA. The search for journal articles used the Proquest, Pubmed, Sage Pub, Wiley, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, 21.019 articles were obtained from all databases and 3 journals were selected for analysis

Results: Based on 3 selected articles with a cross-sectional study design. The results of the study revealed themes that were grouped based on the factors supporting positive attitudes and causing negative attitudes of health workers in Taiwan and Singapore towards homosexuality.

Conclusion: Health workers have two different attitudes towards sexual minority groups; health workers who have a positive attitude supported by adherence to the code of ethics, level of social tolerance, and religiosity status of health workers. And health workers who have a negative attitude caused by education level and age, religious status, and socio-demographic factors.
The Effects of Millennial Behavior and Perceptions on Interest in Sharia Mobile Banking and the Implications of Continuance Intention
Authors: Yasmin Azura , Sarmigi Elex , Putra Eka
Published: December 2024

This research aims to determine the behavior and perceptions of the millennial generation towards sustainable use (continuance intention) both directly and when mediated by interest. This research uses a quantitative approach method by collecting data using an online questionnaire using Google Forms and distributing the questionnaire via social media. The research population was the millennial generation who used Syariah mobile banking, with 111 respondents. The collected data was then analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the help of the smarts application. The results of this study show that the influence of interest in continuous intention and millennial perception significantly influence interest in using Syariah mobile banking. In contrast, financial and online behavior does not directly impact the constant use (continuance intention) of Syariah mobile banking and the influence of economic behavior on interest. Also not significant, the results of hypothesis testing prove that millennial perceptions influence continuance intention (sustainable use), which is mediated by interest (sustainable use). In contrast, financial and online behavior, mediated by interest, do not affect continuance intention.
Orthofix Pertrochanteric Fixator: A Better Treatment for Intertrochanteric Fractures in High-Risk Elderly Patients
Authors: Cao Bo , Wei Renqian Wei , Li Yi , Mo Sizhan , Liang Huajie , Tan Xiaobo , Cao Bo
Published: December 2024

Background Although the Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) is currently considered to be one of the preferred treatment methods for intertrochanteric fractures. the external fixation method can provide similar clinical results. The external fixation is also more minimally invasive such as Orthofix Pertrochanteric Fixator (OPF). We expect that the use of the Orthofix Pertrochanteric Fixator (OPF) will reduce the incidence of complications. We have applied a clinical trial to compare the effectiveness and the Complications of the two surgical methods for in the elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.
Methods 243 elderly patients with high-risk comorbidities were diagnosed as intertrochanteric fractures, which attributed to the low energy injuries like sliping and falling down at home. The patients were randomly divided into two groups based on the method of internal fixation. 103 patients in group A were applied with OPF, 140 patients in group B were treated with PFNA.
Results The OPF is a reasonable treatment for the elderly patients ,who are co-morbid with other high-risk diseases. No significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality of fracture repositioning and Harris scores(HHS). The PFNA operation time (14.41±2.10) was longer than OPF group (14.41±2.10), (p<0.05). 107 patients in PFNA group got postoperative blood transfusion, but none in OPF group. The average length of staying at hospital in group A and B were (4.10±0.82) days and (5.63±0.83) days. 9 patients with failed PFNA fixations patients got the satisfactory recovery following bed rest. There were 4 deaths in group A, 3 coronary artery disease cases and 1 cerebral infarction cases during hospitalization, and 15 deaths in group B. 9 cases of pin-tract infection occurred in group A. Group A healing time of fractures (14.50±1.09) was longer than group A (12.84±1.17). There is amost no diffifence in postoperative complication between group A and B.
Conclusion The OPF is an effective fixation for high-risk elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures. It is notably simple to perform, with less bleeding, minimal radiation exposure, a much lower complication rate, a shorter hospital stay and satisfactory functional recovery.
Evidence level Therapeutic study grade III
Dysregulation of STS in keratinocytes promotes calcium signaling and hyperkeratinization: Insights into the mechanisms underlying X-linked ichthyosis
Authors: Kwon Tae-Uk , Kwon Yeo-Jung , Park Hyemin , Kang Yoon-ji , Chun Young-Jin
Published: December 2024

Steroid sulfatase (STS) is a key enzyme for the desulfation of steroid sulfates, converting them into their biologically active forms. Notably, X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), a genetic disorder characterized by hyperkeratinization, arises as a direct result of STS deficiency. Keratinocyte differentiation is essential for proper keratinization. In this study, gene ontology analysis from STS-deficient mice revealed enhanced differentiation and upregulation of calcium-related signaling. Calcium plays a key role in regulating keratinocyte differentiation, with STS-deficient cells showing a marked increase in intracellular calcium influx. Additionally, these cells significantly upregulated calcium-sensing receptors (CasR), leading to elevated tyrosine phosphorylation, increased differentiation signaling, and the upregulation of early differentiation markers, including keratin 1 and keratin 10, as seen in HaCaT cells and mouse primary keratinocytes. Furthermore, STS inhibitors enhanced the expression of E-cadherin and late differentiation markers such as involucrin and loricrin. Due to increased calcium sensitivity, STS-deficient cells treated with calcium exhibited a significant upregulation of differentiation markers and reduced sensitivity to calcium chelation. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that reduced STS expression and inhibition of its activity enhance calcium responsiveness, induce CasR expression, and amplify calcium signaling, thereby promoting keratinocyte differentiation. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying STS deficiency-induced hyperkeratinization.
Co-crystals of lactose-polyphenols created from two food-related by-products: cheese whey and maize inflorescences
Authors: Rusindo-Rodríguez Isis M. , Ramos-Sánchez Victor H. , Chávez-Flores David , Delgado Efrén , Chávez-Martínez América , Luján-Torres Víctor E. , Orozco-Mena Raúl E. , Sepúlveda David R. , Gutiérrez-Méndez Néstor
Published: December 2024

Maize inflorescences are a polyphenol-rich by-product generated abundantly from corn consumption. Likewise, cheese whey is a lactose-rich by-product vastly produced from the cheesemaking process. This work proposed the use of both by-products to generate lactose-polyphenol co-cocrystals. The methodology was to add maize-inflorescences powder (M-IP) into hot concentrated Chihuahua cheese whey to extract their polyphenols. Then, this supersaturated lactose-polyphenol solution was cooled to induce the co-crystallization of lactose with polyphenols. The crystallization process ended between 60 and 95 minutes, and the kinetic crystallization parameters were not altered significantly by the presence of maize polyphenols. The type of crystals created were primarily alpha-lactose monohydrated crystals (α-LM) with a small proportion of whey proteins and polyphenols. The polyphenol entrapment efficiency in lactose crystals was 22–30%, obtaining polyphenol concentrations of 7–9 mg/100 g of crystals. The polyphenols entrapped in lactose crystals were mainly phenolic acids like chlorogenic acid and flavonoids like maysin. The presence of polyphenols provided the lactose crystals with antioxidant activity. Additionally, the entrapment of polyphenols into the crystals prevented their degradation by UV-A irradiation. From these results, it can be concluded that it is feasible to add an extra value to lactose by incorporating polyphenols into the crystals using a by-product like maize inflorescence.
Anticancer properties of copolymer nanoparticles loaded with Feoniculum vulgare derivatives in Hs578T and SUM159 cancer cell lines
Authors: Bourang Shima , Godehkahriz Sodabeh Jahanbakhsh , Noruzpuor Mehran , Zakaria Rasool Asghari , Granados-Principal Sergio
Published: December 2024

Background
In recent years, the rising occurrence of cancer, particularly breast cancer, has led to a growing interest in utilizing nanotechnology for treatment. As a result of the significant side effects of chemical drugs, researchers have explored the potential of plants with antioxidant properties as an alternative option. Feoniculum vulgare, one of the potent plants for cancer therapy, is rich of anti-cancer compounds found in its essential oil and ethanolic extract.
Methods
This study was conducted to investigate the anti-tumor properties of F. vulgare, along with the application of copolymers for their targeted delivery to Hs578T and SUM159 cancer cells. First, the ethanolic extract from aerial parts and calluses of F. vulgare and essential oil extraction were produced. Second, polymer nanoparticles composed of PLA-Chitosan were synthesized, and their characteristics were investigated using various techniques such as Hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis. After preparation of PLA-PEG-HA/PLA-Chitosan nanoparticles, the physicochemical properties of these nanoparticles including their size, zeta potential, morphology, size distribution, and magnetic features were evaluated. The encapsulation efficiency of copolymers with F. vulgare ethanolic extract, essential oil, Anethole, and pure quercetin was analyzed. After that the drug release kinetics (at pH = 5 and 7.4), in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation, and analysis of cell apoptosis to evaluate the efficacy of drug delivery to Hs578T and SUM159 triple-negative breast cancer cell lines were evaluated.
Results
The results of the study indicated that PLA-PEG-HA/PLA-Chitosan nanoparticles possess a spherical shape with an average size of 240 nm and a zeta potential of -10.8 mV. Moreover, the drug release pattern illustrated a higher release rate from synthesized nanoparticles under acidic conditions (pH = 5). The WST-1 assay revealed the biocompatibility of the drug-free nanocarriers and their minimal toxicity. Additionally, the Hs578T cell line treated with PLA-PEG-HA/Chitosan-PLA/Quercetin nanoparticles exhibited the highest percentages of pre- and post-apoptotic cells (34.06% and 8.19%, respectively).
Conclusions
The PLA-Chitosan and PLA-PEG-HA/Chitosan-PLA copolymer nanoparticles exhibit a noteworthy capacity for the targeted delivery of Quercetin, Anethole, and other anti-cancer compounds present in the ethanolic extract and essential oil of F. vulgare towards cancerous cells.
Research on High-Concentration Activated Sludge Method for Energy-Efficient Nitrogen Removal in Wastewater
Authors: Benfu Luo , Yuhang Liu , Yiqiang Huang , Weiwei Huang , Qiang Chen , Yujing Yan , Haixing He , Xiang Zhou , Jie Yu
Published: December 2024

Currently, there is an increasing emphasis on energy conservation and emission reduction, and conventional water treatment processes can no longer meet the demand. Enhancing the reflux ratio of the mixed liquor is a promising option to improve nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. However, a high reflux ratio can lead to a significant carryover of dissolved oxygen (DO), which can negatively impact the denitrification process. Research in this area is still relatively limited. The high concentration activated sludge method can significantly reduce the impact of dissolved oxygen. Therefore, this study compares it with the conventional internal recirculation method in terms of pollutant removal and dissolved oxygen recovery. It explores the feasibility of using high concentration activated sludge to enhance nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment while achieving energy savings, and calculates the potential energy savings achieved. The results indicate that employing the high concentration activated sludge method to increase the sludge concentration in the system not only prevents the detrimental effects of dissolved oxygen on the anoxic zone but also enhances the system's removal rates for BOD5, CODcr, ammonia nitrogen, and total nitrogen (TN). The study calculated that the Air-lift technique using aeration pumps recovers approximately 31.46% of DO. However, the biochemical treatment system used in this experiment is relatively small in scale, which limits its ability to fully demonstrate the energy savings and management advantages associated with the high concentration activated sludge method.
Investigation on the influence of fracture characteristics on thermal recovery in supercritical carbon dioxide enhanced geothermal systems (CO2 -EGS)
Authors: Xiao Xiaochun , Gong Peiyushun , Li Wensheng , Xu Jun , Li Cenrui
Published: December 2024

To investigate the thermal extraction performance of supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) with the influence of hydraulic fractures and natural fractures, the hydraulic fractures in EGS were abstracted, and four geometric models were established and numerically solved. The permeability field, temperature field, and stress field of the model were analyzed to elucidate the interaction mechanism between ScCO2 and hot dry rock reservoirs. The results indicate that an increase in the number of hydraulic fractures can promote heat transfer of ScCO2 within the system, but the relationship is not entirely linearly correlated between them and may lead to early thermal breakthrough in the system. The hydraulic fractures perpendicular to the flow direction of ScCO2 will form non-connected fracture zones that will hinder the convective heat transfer within the system. Differences in hydraulic fracture characteristics can also cause significant variations in flow velocity and pressure within the system. The increase in the number of hydraulic fractures results in more granite blocks being segmented, leading to significant changes in the stress field, thereby ultimately reducing porosity and permeability. The results of this study can provide theoretical guidance for the construction of hydraulic fractures during geothermal development.
Increased thermal suitability Elevates Risk of Dengue Transmission Across the Mid Hills of Nepal
Authors: Acharya Bipin Kumar , Khanal Laxman , Dhimal Meghnath
Published: December 2024

The burden of climate-sensitive, mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, has significantly increased in recent years. Understanding the temporal and spatial variations of these diseases is essential for effectively controlling potential outbreaks. In this study, we utilized Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite land surface temperature (LST) data (MOD11A2) and a temperature-dependent mechanistic model (R0) to predict the monthly suitability for dengue transmission in Nepal from 2000 to 2020 for both mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. We divided the study period into two phases: 2000–2010, which we characterized as the period of dengue emergence, and 2010–2020, identified as the period of rapid expansion. We compared the thermal suitability across these two time periods. The results indicated that approximately half of Nepal is thermally suitable for dengue transmission for at least one month, with the maximum transmission risk lasting up to nine months each year, a trend that has more or less remained stable over the past 20 years. However, strong temporal dynamics were observed in the hilly regions and around major urban centers such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, where the length of thermal suitability extended up to six months for both vector species. Consequently, the population exposed to thermal suitability increased significantly on a monthly basis. Compared to the emergence period, the proportion of the population exposed to a suitable thermal environment for six months or longer each year increased by 18% for Ae. aegypti and 20% for Ae. albopictus. These findings provide evidence-based insights that could assist health authorities in the control and management of dengue in Nepal.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for Vulnerable Aging Residents of Iosco County, Michigan
Authors: Douglass Richard , Stansloski Donald , Mortimer James , Purdy Sam , Evilsizer Dale , Rice Scott
Published: December 2024

The Rural Health Group and the Iosco County Commission on Aging, in Michigan, conducted a comprehensive investigation of the needs of t home-delivered meal recipients for transportation access to medical and healthcare utilization.* This population struggles to access medical care that is often available only at significant distances because rural Michigan has experienced loss of health services. Access is challenged by a lack of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) alternatives to personal vehicles.
From a service population of 233, 84 responded to personal interviews. Analyses revealed that 9.4% of the respondents experienced delayed or canceled medical care due to lack of transportation. Extrapolation to similar counties suggests that NEMT deficiencies pose a risk for thousands of rural seniors who lack personal transportation. Respondents explained how transportation barriers put them at risk and how they rely on family members who are often not local residents to access routine medical care. Public and private transportation options for NEMT are inadequate and poorly coordinated and Medicaid-NEMT services were unused because of complicated procedures and lack of awareness. Recommendations include replication to validate and generalize the findings, and critical improvement of availability, coordination and access of NEMT services for rural populations. Structural changes are proposed to establish NEMT divisions in EMS services to reduce inappropriate emergency resources being used for non-emergent situations.
Study design to develop a Multi-disciplinary Alcohol Use Prevention Program for Postgraduate Students in Medical University:a study protocol
Authors: Lai Li , Liu Li , Lian Fayang , Xu Zhixian , Zheng Kefang , Huang Shihua , Zhang Jiancheng , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: December 2024

Background: Addressing alcohol abuse on campus presents significant challenges for institutions of higher education. The lack of effective alcohol use prevention programmes has rendered students, particularly postgraduates facing heavy social pressures, more vulnerable to alcohol abuse risks. This study aims to establish a novel, multidisciplinary alcohol use prevention programme (MDAUPP) integrating various subspecialties of clinical and forensic medicine (e.g., Biology and Toxicology). The goal is to enhance postgraduate students' ability to recognise, prevent, and manage alcohol-related problems both on campus and in their future professional careers.
Methods:The study is designed with three work streams. Workstream 1 involves evaluating risk factors for alcohol abuse using participants' demographic information and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Demographic data will be analysed to describe the overall participant profile, and AUDIT scores will identify drinkers and assess the severity of alcohol use disorders. Uni-variate Logistic regression and Multivariate conditional Logistic regression will analyse factors related to alcohol abuse among medical students based on demographic information and questionnaire assessments.
Workstream 2, the MDAUPP, comprises three phases: (1) propagating and popularising knowledge about alcohol-related diseases, (2) conducting on-site observations for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing, and (3) interpreting human alcohol metabolism capacity through genetic testing.
Lastly, Workstream 3 involves a 10-item survey questionnaire to collect responses from participants. Likert scale-based assessments before and after the programme will be analysed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank testing to measure changes in responses across participants.
Discussion: Establishing a proactive approach towards preventing alcohol abuse among postgraduate students and addressing inappropriate social behaviours are key objectives of this prevention programme. The study findings may offer insights into the effectiveness of MDAUPP among postgraduates at Fujian Medical University and its potential application in similar or comprehensive universities.
Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
A galactic cosmic ray cavity in Earth-Moon space
Authors: Shi Quanqi , Shang Wensai , Liu Ji , Xu Zigong , Yue Chao , Guo Ruilong , Xiao Chao , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert , Guo Jingnan , William Degeling , Rankin Robert , Tian Anmin , Zong Qiu-Gang , Han Chenyao , Park Jong-Sun , Wang Huizi , Liu Wenlong , Fu Suiyan , Zhai LiuMing , Chen Ding , Ni Sulan , Chen Tianlu
Published: December 2024

In regions of the solar system distant from planetary magnetic fields, galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) have generally been assumed to be uniformly distributed throughout interplanetary space. However, our analysis of data from the Chang’E-4 lander revealed a region of reduced GCR flux in the pre-noon sector of the lunar orbit. Further investigation suggests the presence of an energetic particle cavity, formed by the Earth’s magnetic field acting as an obstacle to GCR propagation. This cavity indicates that the influence of Earth’s magnetic field within the space environment extends unexpectedly up to and far beyond lunar orbit. This discovery offers the potential to avoid high radiation levels during future lunar exploration and deep-space missions.
Breast Cancer and Income Loss in Denmark: Heterogeneous Outcomes and Longitudinal Effects
Authors: Johnson Emily , Parikh Harsh , Olsen Kim , Chang Angela , Sopina Liza
Published: December 2024

Income loss after breast cancer is an important area of research, but long-term effects and heterogeneous impacts are understudied. Our analysis measures the effect of breast cancer on personal and household equivalized income of females in Denmark from 2000-2018 using Danish register data. We perform a cohort study and match on age, baseline income, employment, baseline health, and other socioeconomic and demographic variables, to investigate heterogeneous effects across subpopulations over a 10-year period. We also perform an event study difference-in-difference analysis over the same period. Our study finds modest but consistent personal income loss over 10 years, and disproportionate loss for the working population, students, and those in worse health. Household income losses are smaller and recover within 10 years. Overall, the Danish economic protections are effective in mitigating long-term economic impact of breast cancer on the population, though there is room for improvement in protection of the most vulnerable.