bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psoriasis and Pulmonary Function - Unveiling Genetic Connections
Authors: Tanimura Kazuya , Aldrich Melinda , Jaworski James , Xing Jinchuan , Okawa Satoshi , Chandra Divay , Nouraie Seyed , Nyunoya Toru
Published: June 2024

Psoriasis, an immune-mediated skin disease characterized by erythematous plaques, is often associated with chronic lung diseases that impair pulmonary function. To investigate a potential genetic link between psoriasis and pulmonary function, we analyzed 63 previously reported psoriasis-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for their associations with both psoriasis and pulmonary function measurements using data from the UK Biobank (UKBB) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center Biobank (BioVU). Our results confirm significant associations of specific SNPs with both the risk of psoriasis and changes in pulmonary function. Notably, the minor alleles of rs17716942 and rs8016947 were linked to a lower risk of psoriasis and improved pulmonary function across both biobank cohorts. These findings highlight potential genetic intersections involving immune regulation and inflammatory responses, mediated by genes such as IFIH1, GCA, and NFKBIA, which may underlie the observed "skin-lung axis" in psoriatic patients.
5-Fluorouracil plus L-leucovorin and oxaliplatin treatment for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Shiraishi Kazuhiro , Okada Mao , Yamamoto Shun , Matsubara Yuki , Masuishi Toshiki , Shimozaki Keitaro , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Hirose Suguru , Sugiyama Keiji , Furuta Mitsuhiro , Machida Nozomu , Takahashi Naoki , Yoshii Takako , Kito Yosuke , Tsuzuki Takao , Boku Shogen , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Akinori Sugaya , Takayama Toshizo , Komori Azusa , Mitani Seiichiro , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Hirata Kenro , Nishimura Takashi
Published: June 2024

Background
Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the 5-fluorouracil plus L-leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) regimen is available in Japan as an alternative to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, but its efficacy and safety remain unclear. Hence, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate patients with advanced ESCC who received FOLFOX therapy.
Methods
Patients with advanced ESCC who received FOLFOX therapy at 18 institutions between April 2019 and October 2020 were included. Fifty-two patients were received first-line FOLFOX treatment, while 39 patients received later-line FOLFOX treatment.
Results
The median progression-free survival, median overall survival, and objective response rate were 3.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0–5.0), 13.9 months (95% CI: 10.3–17.9 months), and 35% in the first-line group and 2.4 months (95% CI: 2.1–3.8 months), 7.2 months (95% CI: 5.3–9.8 months), and 4% in the later-line group, respectively. The most frequent grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (23%) and anemia (12%) in the first-line group and neutropenia (18%), anorexia (13%), anemia (10%), and nausea (10%) in the later-line group.
Conclusion
First-line FOLFOX treatment is suitable for patients with advanced ESCC. However, FOLFOX has shown limited efficacy as a later-line treatment.
Role of cellular senescence genes and Immune Infiltration in sepsis and sepsis-induced ARDS based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaoling , Guo Yanan
Published: June 2024

Introduction
: Sepsis is the leading cause of death in critically ill patients resulting in multi-organ dysfunction, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our study was conducted to determin the role of cellular senescence genes and Immune Infiltration in sepsis and sepsis-induced ARDS using bioinformatics analyses.
Experimental Procedures
: The GSE66890 and GSE145227 datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and utilized for bioinformatics analyses. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify the key functional modules. Two machine learning algorithms, least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machine–recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) were utilized for screening characteristic genes among sepsis and sepsis-induced ARDS. ROC curves were generated to evaluate the prediction ability of hub genes. The difference of immune infiltration level between disease and control groups was compared via ssGSEA. The diagnostic value of hub genes were verified using quantitative PCR (qPCR) in our hospital patients.
Results
Four characteristic genes (ATM, CCNB1, CCNA1, and E2F2) were identifified as the biomarker involved in the progression of sepsis-induced ARDS. And E2F2 has the highest prediction ability to predict the occurrence of ARDS from sepsis patients. CD56bright tural killer cell and Plasmacytoid dendritic cell were highly infiltrated in sepsis-induced ARDS group while Eosinophil, MDSC, Macrophage, and Neutrophil was lowly infiltrated. In addition, lower expression levels of ATM gene were observed in sepsis patients than non- sepsis patients (n = 6).
Conclusion
Sepsis-induced ARDS was correlated with circulating immune responses, and the expression of ATM, CCNB1, CCNA1, and E2F2 might be potential diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic target in sepsis-induced ARDS.
Research on mechanism of anti-icing of polar ships based on ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Hua Shi , Wang Youxiang , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2024

The present study focuses on the development and design of an electric absorption ultrasonic vibrator based on the mechanism of ultrasonic vibration deicing. It investigates the application of ultrasonic vibration deicing technology in polar ships, which exhibits high deicing efficiency, noise-free operation, small amplitude, and low energy consumption. By combining numerical simulation with anti-deicing experiments, this research examines the anti-deicing effect of polar ship hull steel plates under 11 different working conditions involving identical frequency or power but varying quantities and forms of vibration. The influences of ultrasonic vibrator arrangement, quantity, frequency, and power on ship surface vibration displacement and ice cracking time are revealed to explore the optimal vibration formation that aligns with polar ship characteristics for achieving superior anti-ice effects. This study aims to ensure the normal navigation of ships in the polar environment, prepare for the research of ship anti-icing in the future polar sea war, and lay the theoretical and experimental foundation for the application of ultrasonic vibration de-icing technology in the field of ship anti-de-icing.
Teambuilding intervention in multi-speciality primary healthcare providers in Pakistan: Results of a sequential mixed methods approach
Authors: Jafree Sara Rizvi , Ahsan Humna , Zakar Rubeena , Muzamill Anam , Burhan Syeda Khadija , Khan Bushra Asif Ali , Momina Ain ul , Fischer Florian
Published: June 2024

Background: Pakistan’s primary health services have a sound infrastructure but remain ineffective in serving the needs of the nation. A significant area of concern is the lack of support to improve teambuilding of the multi-speciality primary healthcare providers (HCP). This study had two phases: First, to deliver a teambuilding intervention using a pre-post-test design, and second, to collect qualitative data about barriers to teambuilding.
Methods: A total of 42 multi-speciality HCPs from 12 basic health units and 5 rural health centres of Punjab, Pakistan, were part of the teambuilding intervention. We conducted a sequential mixed methods approach, with a quantitative pre-post-test analysis and interviews with 34 HCPs at follow-up qualitative phase.
Results: Mean analysis at post-test revealed improved teambuilding skills for coordinating patient care plans (z=2.881, p=0.004), and skills for conflict management (z=3.468, p=0.001). HCPs above the age of 30 years and with ≥6 years of service show improvement post intervention in teambuilding skills for collaborating about resources and referrals and conflict management, suggesting that younger and less experienced HCPs need more regular training support. The qualitative data highlighted 11 barriers which prevented optimal teambuilding, falling under broad areas of: (i) system issues, (ii) behavioural and service problems, and (iii) management limitations. We conclude with eight holistic recommendations to secure optimal teamwork, and argue that apart from continued training, there is need to: increase budget allocation; develop integrated care plans; strengthen the referral system; add providers to the team for non-maternal health services; fund joint research of providers; introduce third-party supervision and accountability; and introduce a human resource department.
Conclusions: Our study is one of the few studies that attempt to address teamwork issues in primary healthcare teams of the country, showing the benefits and limitations of an interprofessional teambuilding intervention. We conclude that a holistic approach is needed to improve teamwork in the primary-level multi-speciality providers.
Trial registration: NCT05389501
The Effectiveness and Safety of Transabdominal Oocyte Pick-up Using a Vaginal Ultrasound Probe in Patients with Endometrioma Undergoing Oocyte Cryopreservation
Authors: Sönmezer Meltem , Şükür Yavuz Emre , Turan Volkan , Akgün Nilüfer , Saçıntı Koray Görkem , Alimoğulları Ebru , Aslan Batuhan , Özmen Batuhan , Atabekoğlu Cem , Berker Bülent , Sönmezer Murat
Published: June 2024

Background
This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of transabdominal oocyte pick-up using a vaginal ultrasound probe in single women with endometrioma undergoing oocyte cryopreservation (OC).
Methods
Twenty single women with endometrioma who underwent transabdominal oocyte pick-up using a vaginal ultrasound probe for the purpose of oocyte cryopreservation were included. Primary outcome measures were number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes frozen, a modified follicle to oocyte index (FOI), and complication rates.
Results
The mean age of patients was 33.1±5.8, mean diameter of the endometrioma was 57.9±33.7 mm, mean antral follicle count was 6.3±3.4, mean serum AMH was 0.78±0.55 ng/ml, and mean day 3 serum FSH and estradiol were 9.2±2.3 IU/ml and 57.8±36.5 pg/ml, respectively. The mean duration of stimulation was 9.7±2.3 days, total gonadotropin consumption was 2195±909 units, and duration of the procedure was 9.9±4.2 min. The mean number of oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes frozen, and mFOI were 6.1±3.6, 4.8±2.9, 0.93±0.19 respectively.
Conclusions
Endometrioma was ruptured in four patients, and only one patient was temporarily hospitalized for six hours for severe pelvic pain. Transabdominal oocyte retrieval using a vaginal probe is safe and effective technique in patients with endometrioma undergoing OC.
Rapid detection of acids and esters in Baijiu by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with difference spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Yixuan , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhang Ruiting , Ma Lin , Lin Ke
Published: June 2024

Acids and esters are the main aromatic compounds in Baijiu. These compounds affect primarily the flavor and quality of Baijiu. The detection of these compounds is important for the control of Baijiu. Although FTIR spectroscopy has gradually been used to detect Baijiu in recent years, this technology has not been directly employed to measure the infrared spectra of acids and esters in Baijiu. In this paper, a novel FTIR difference spectroscopy is proposed to extract the infrared spectra of acids and esters in Baijiu. This difference spectrum is mainly obtained by subtracting the FTIR spectra of aqueous ethanol from that of Baijiu. The FTIR spectra of some kinds of Baijiu were measured, and the infrared spectra of acids and esters in Baijiu were obtained. The flavor of Baijiu can be distinguished through the difference spectra. Since the acquisition of FTIR spectra only takes less than one minute, this FTIR difference spectrum can be developed as a quick control method for Baijiu.
A study on comparison of various machine learning models for the best prediction of 305 days first lactation milk yield
Authors: FRAZ NAYLA , SHAHI B. N. , BARWAL R. S. , GHOSH A. K. , SINGH C. V. , KUMAR PANKAJ
Published: June 2024

Machine learning models can be used in dairy industries for the prediction of milk yield in dairy cattle to increase the efficiency of dairy farms and early culling of animals based on 305 days milk yield. Analysis and evaluation of the performances of Multiple linear regression (MLR), Random forest (RF), Gradient boosting regression (GBR), Extreme gradient boosting (XGboost) and Light gradient boosting (lightGBM) were done on the basis of root mean square errors (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) values. The values of RMSE for MLR, RF, GBR, XGboost and lightGBM for the training period were 478.82, 176.52, 229.65, 271.44 and 214.97 and for the testing period were 469.02, 267.13, 288.10, 338.36 and 293.80, respectively. Similarly, the values of R2 for the training period were 0.76, 0.92, 0.86, 0.81 and 0.88 and for the testing period were 0.55, 0.85, 0.82, 0.76 and 0.82, respectively. The results obtained suggested that the accuracy and precision of RF, LightGBM, GBR and XGboost models were adequate in predicting first lactation 305 days milk yield, but the best results were obtained by RF in both training and testing period; it outperformed other regression models in predicting first lactation 305 days milk yield. Further, an increase in accuracy and precision can be done by increasing the number of independent variables with a high correlation with the dependent variable and by also increasing the number of observations.
Abscisic Acid rescues behavior in adult female mice in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity model of dopamine depletion by regulating microglia and increasing Vesicular GABA Transporter expression
Authors: Meseguer-Beltrán Maria , Sánchez-Sarasúa Sandra , Kerekes Nóra , Landry Marc , Real-López Matías , Sánchez-Pérez Ana María
Published: June 2024

Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While genetic studies have highlighted catecholamine dysfunction, emerging epidemiological evidence suggest neuroinflammation as a significant trigger. However, understanding the relative contributions of these alterations to ADHD symptomatology remains elusive.
Method: This study employed 93 female Swiss mice of the ADHD dopamine deficit model. Dopaminergic lesions were induced via 6-hydroxidopamine (6-OHDA) injection on postnatal day 5. The impact of these lesions during development was examined by comparing young and adult mice (at postnatal day 21 and 90, respectively). We sought to mitigate adult symptoms through abscisic acid (ABA) administration during two-months. Postmortem analyses encompassed the evaluation of neuroinflammation (microglia morphology, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, cytokine expression) and excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) ratio in specific brain regions.
Results: Neonatal dopaminergic lesions elicited hyperactivity, impulsivity, increased social interaction in both young and adult females and lesion induce impaired memory in adults. ABA exposure significantly ameliorated hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, hypersensitivity, and social interaction alterations, but not cognitive impairment in adults. In the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of young mice dopamine-deficit induced microglia morphology alterations, elevated IL-1β and TNFa expression and reduced Arg1 mRNA levels, along with E/I imbalance. ABA intervention restored microglia morphology, IL-1β expression and enhanced vGAT levels.
Conclusions: This study strongly suggest that dopamine deficit induced alteration of microglia and E/I ratio underling distinct ADHD symptoms. Reinstating healthy microglia by anti-inflammatory agents in specific areas emerges as a promising strategy for managing ADHD.
Peritonitis of small bowel with perforated Meckel diverticulum by inadvertently fish bone: A Case report and Literature Review
Authors: Faiz Shabnam , Luo Fuwen , guan Guoxin , meng meng , xingming liu
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Meckel diverticulum is the most common congenital abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract. Foreign body-induced perforation of Meckel diverticulum is extremely rare, with challenging consequences in adults. Case presentation: A 20 years old young boy presented to our department with a three days history of severe abdominal colicky pain of sudden onset. There were also associated symptoms of nausea, and vomiting. On physical examination his abdomen was distended with rebound tenderness. His blood investigation showed raised C reactive protein level with inflammatory markers. CT scan revealed signs of exudation of surrounding fat space. The initial diagnosis was diffuse peritonitis with gastrointestinal perforation by a foreign body, so the patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Findings included a needle-shaped white foreign body about 2.5 cm in length with an edematous hyperemic small intestine that was covered with pus, and adherent to the pelvic cavity. Laparoscopic surgery was converted to open laparotomy surgery. A foreign body was removed and confirmed as a fishbone. Partial resection of ileum, and perforated diverticulum with side-to-side anastomosis done. The patient was discharged 7 days postoperatively. Discussion: perforation of the gastrointestinal tract by a fish bone foreign body is not a common event in the clinical setting. Unfortunately, with the incomplete patient history, it is usually misdiagnosed as with acute appendicitis or other pathologies. CT scan can be a useful modality to diagnose foreign bodies, however, the sensitivity is low to detect complications that occur by fish bone ingestion. Conclusion: Preoperative diagnosis of perforated Meckel diverticulum by fish bone is really rare and difficult. The management of perforated diverticulum by fish bone on time can really reduce the rate of morbidity and immortality. It should be also included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in young people.
Infrared and visible image fusion network based on low-light image enhancement and attention mechanism
Authors: Lu Jinbo , Pei Zhen , Chen Jinling , Tan Kunyu , Ran Qi , Wang Hongyan
Published: June 2024

The purpose of infrared and visible image fusion is to combine the information of different spectral imaging to improve the visual effect and information richness of the image. However, the visible images collected by the existing public datasets are often dim, and the fused images cannot fully depict the texture details and structure in the visible images. Moreover, most deep learning-based methods fail to consider the global information of input feature maps during the convolutional layer feature extraction process, which leads to additional information loss. To address these issues, this paper proposes an auto-encoder network that integrates low-light image enhancement with an adaptive global attention mechanism. First, a sharpening-smoothing balance model for low-light image enhancement is designed based on the Retinex model. Enhance the structure, texture, and contrast information of low-light images by adjusting the balance index of the model. Then, an adaptive global attention block is added to the auto-encoder network, which enhances features with important information by adaptively learning the weights of each channel in the input feature map, thereby improving the network's feature expression capabilities. Finally, in the fusion part of the auto-encoder network, a deep spatial attention fusion block is proposed to maintain the texture details in the visible image and highlight the thermal target information in the infrared image. Our experiments are validated on MSRS, LLVIP, and TNO datasets. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses demonstrated that our method achieved superior comprehensive performance compared to the state-of-the-art image fusion algorithms of recent years.
Two Dimensional Numerical Groundwater Flow Modelling Of the Megech River Catchment,Ethiopia
Authors: Getaneh Amare
Published: June 2024

Catchment is found in the Amhara Regional State, North Gondar Administrative Zone, Gondar town and surrounding Keble River catchment. Its total area coverage is 785 km2 , and the main lithologic units of lacustrine deposits are the Middle Basalt (Aiba) and the Upper basalt (Alajie). Numerical groundwater flow modeling of the Megech River catchment, Tana Sub Basin, is conducted with the objective of simulating the groundwater flow system of the area and evaluating the response of the hydrogeological system under different stresses so that the resulting consequences for the system can be estimated. The calibrated statistics of the model area showed a mean error (ME) of 4.8, absolute mean error (AME) of 4.9, and root mean square error (RMSE) of 6.8, which are indicators of good calibration. The sensitive parameters of the model were identified during the calibration process. Therefore, the RMSE is more sensitive to hydraulic conductivity and recharge than to river conductance. The simulated water budget under steady -state conditions in the Megech River catchment was analysed. The simulated inflow of the model is 1.0703551E+06 m3/day, which is equal to the simulated outflow of 1.0703559E+06 m3/day, with a difference of -7.9617882E-01(-0.79617882) m3/day. The total withdrawal of groundwater from the Megech catchment in the well is 1.78853E+04 m3/day. A scenario analysis was conducted for decreasing recharge and increasing withdrawal rates.
Understanding historical invasive pest dynamics using a novel data rescue protocol.
Authors: O'Donnell Ultan , McGee Conor Francis , Bourke Andy , Yearsley Jon
Published: June 2024

Long-term historical data on the presence of invasive pests can inform current pest management. By examining correlations between shifts in pest occurrences and various potential drivers, we can better inform decision-making and management strategies. However, the availability of such long-term data is often limited. We introduce a data rescue protocol to recover difficult-to-access pest information from periodical documents such as annual forestry health reports. We applied this to annual forestry reports on the island of Ireland from 1970-2020. This protocol resulted in an open-access dataset of pest dynamics and their management for the island. We combined the pest dataset with auxiliary weather data to estimate the effects of surveying effort, control measures and weather upon pest outbreak dynamics. Two first-order auto-logistic regression models were used to model rates of introduction and rates of eradication in an insect model and a bacteria, chromista and fungi model. The results provide evidence that multi-year systematic surveillance efforts have diminishing returns for estimating the rate of introduction, and surveillance effort requirements differ between specific pest groups. Control measures had a minor positive effect on the rate of local pest eradication, with high variation in the data. Our methodology for data collection and analysis serves as a blueprint for other regions of the world and other invasive species assemblages where data is physically available but not ready for analysis.
Rhabdomyolysis with Aseptic Meningitis due to Viral Illness in a Young HIV+ patient: Case Report
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Ketsela Gizatchew
Published: June 2024

This case report describes a unique instance of atraumatic rhabdomyolysis occurring in a patient with viral meningitis and a pre-existing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. The patient was diagnosed with acute viral meningitis and also experienced acute renal failure, but fortunately had a positive outcome due to prompt testing, implementation of preventive measures, and aggressive treatment. Maintaining a high level of suspicion is crucial in order to prevent further complications and potential mortality
(Wieder) über Klasse sprechen
Authors: Gaillinger Felix , Klaß Anna
Published: June 2024

Diese Einleitung zum 86. Band der Reihe Kulturanthropologie Notizen widmet sich der Frage, welche Rolle die Strukturkategorie und Erfahrungsgröße ‚Klasse’ in der ethnografischen Forschungspraxis spielen kann. Sie formuliert ein Plädoyer dafür, sich in Anbetracht des im deutschsprachigen Raum wieder präsent gewordenen Klassenbegriffs (erneut) einer breiten methodologischen Debatte über das Verhältnis von Ethnografie und Klasse zu widmen. Die Autor:innen dieser Gastherausgeberschaft erproben am Beispiel eigener Forschungen ganz konkrete Möglichkeitsräume und loten dabei das Changieren zwischen eher empirischen und eher theoretischen Klassenverständnissen aus. Auf diese Weise nehmen sie eine relationale Perspektive ein, die auf die Ko-Konstitution von (biografischen) Erfahrungen der Klasse und ihren strukturellen Zusammenhängen fokussiert.
Rapid measurements and phase transition detections made simple by AC-GANs
Authors: Ding Jiewei , Tang Ho-Kin , Yu Wing Chi
Published: June 2024

In recent years, significant attention has been paid to using end-to-end neural networks for analyzing Monte Carlo data. However, the exploration of non-end-to-end generative adversarial neural networks remains limited. Here, we investigate classical many-body systems using generative adversarial neural networks. We employ the conditional generative adversarial network with an auxiliary classifier (AC-GAN) and integrate self-attention layers into the generator. This modification enables the network learn the distribution of the two-dimensional (2D) XY model’s spin configurations and the physical quantities of interest. Utilizing the symmetry of the systems, we discover that AC-GAN can be trained with a very small raw dataset. This approach allows us to obtain reliable measurements for models typically demanding large samples, such as the large-sized 2D XY and the 3D constrained Heisenberg models. Moreover, we demonstrate the capability of AC-GAN to identify the phase transition points by quantifying the distribution changes in the spin configurations of the systems.
Spatiotemporal recharge estimation in the upper Awash sub-basin, central Ethiopia
Authors: Woldu Tsnat Tsegay , Ayenew Tenalem , Baychken Belete , Birhanu Behailu
Published: June 2024

Sustainable groundwater management decisions require an understanding of the spatial distribution and seasonal fluctuations of site-specific water budget computations. This study aims to estimate the spatiotemporal distribution of recharge in the upper Awash sub-basin where the groundwater is experiencing intensive abstraction for domestic, industrial, and irrigation water uses. We estimated the spatial and long-term average monthly, seasonal, and annual groundwater recharge using a GIS-based spatially distributed water balance WetSpass-M model. Distributed grid maps of physical parameters (land-use land cover, soil, and slope) and monthly climatological records (rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature, wind speed) were used as model inputs. The WetSpass-M model estimated recharge is validated with the independently computed recharge using the automated digital filtering baseflow separation method. Attributed mainly to variability in soil texture and land use, the annual precipitation (1,032 mm) is distributed as evapotranspiration (45%), surface runoff (42%), and groundwater recharge (11%). Forest and grass areas with loamy sand have high recharge, while built-up areas with clay soil have low recharge. August to September is estimated to have the largest recharge, while November to December has the lowest. Understanding the spatial and seasonal variability of groundwater recharge is important for sustainable utilization, proper management, and planning of groundwater resources.
Advocating integration of human responses in the flood resilience framework for inland cities of northern China
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Xu Xiangzhou , Xiao Peiqing , Cao Yongqiang
Published: June 2024

Frequent urban flooding poses a predominant challenge to resilience managers and the public in inland cities. Nevertheless, various facets of the formation, development, and response to inland flooding in developing countries are still less understood. Using the statistics data of typical flood events in China, this paper examines the causes of devastation in inland areas of the north combined with a comprehensive risk assessment methodology and explores a nuanced understanding of resilience. The conclusions reveal that the inland cities of northern China are facing an imminent threat from escalating flood hazards. 11% of the flood-influenced population and 17% of the disaster-caused economic losses are concentrated in the region. Increased extreme precipitation, heightened exposure and vulnerability, and a sluggish human response to crises are main factors contributing to these complex disasters. The study also proposes a transformative flood resilience framework for inland flooding from three dimensions, emphasizing the integration of human responses. The three aspects of the framework are summarized based on the driving factors mentioned earlier and a simplified multidimensional perspective of resilient cities, reflecting the adaptive and evolutionary features of resilience. Hence, incorporating the resilience strategies to urban flood risk management is a relatively practical approach to urban flood risk management in inland regions.
Advances in Small-Molecule Dual Inhibitors Targeting EGFR and
HER2 Receptors as Anti-Cancer Agents
Authors: Kang Jia-Xiong , Li Chao , Cheng Yi-Mei , Huang Mou-Xin , Zhao Guang-Kuan , Jin Zhi-Liang , Qi Xiao-Wei , Gu Jing , Ouyang Qin
Published: June 2024

As members of the protein tyrosine kinase family, the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) play essential roles in cellular signal transduction pathways. Overexpression or abnormal activation of EGFR and HER2 can lead to the development of various solid tumors. Therefore, they have been confirmed as biological targets for the development of anticancer
drugs. Due to the fact that many cancers are highly susceptible to developing resistance
to single-target EGFR inhibitors in clinical practice, dual inhibitors that target both
EGFR and HER2 have been developed to increase efficacy, reduce drug resistance and
interactions, and improve patient compliance. Currently, a variety of EGFR/HER2 dual
inhibitors have been developed, with several drugs already approved for marketing or in
clinical trials. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in small-molecule
EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitors by focusing on structure-activity relationships and share
novel insights into developing anticancer agents.
Políticas da Comunicação: Hibridismos e Opacidades
Authors: Sousa Helena
Published: June 2024

Num tempo em que as tragédias climáticas se conjugam com a guerra em solo europeu, o modo como as sociedades comunicam transforma-se numa questão de vida ou de morte. Os cidadãos que legitimamente escolhem as suas lideranças precisam de bases sólidas e confiáveis para decidir quem governa e como melhor realizar as suas escolhas quotidianas, construindo um mundo sustentável onde valha a pena viver. Os poderes públicos têm responsabilidades concretas na configuração dos sistemas mediáticos nacionais, por mais internacionalizados e/ou tribalizados que hoje se encontrem. Esta obra procura, em oito capítulos, apresentar algumas das áreas estratégicas fundantes da atuação pública em Portugal, sem esquecer o papel dos cidadãos no desenho e na implementação dessas políticas. Pretende-se, em particular: • Identificar as principais linhas de orientação política no quadro da comunicação e dos média, em Portugal (e na Europa), na última década; • Examinar os principais mecanismos de auto e de heterorregulação setorial e profissional nas diversas profissões mediáticas e da comunicação; • Analisar a relação entre os média e a sociedade, dedicando especial atenção aos mecanismos de (re)construção do edifício democrático; • Avaliar o poder efetivo nas instituições públicas na definição/reconfiguração de um sistema mediático que garanta as bases comunicacionais indispensáveis à convivência humana digna e em paz; • Facultar recursos teóricos e metodológicos que possam contribuir para novas modalidades de ativismo e de participação cidadã em Portugal, na Europa e no mundo. Com o título Políticas da Comunicação: Hibridismos e Opacidades, pretende-se que esta obra faça parte de uma trilogia dedicada às principais temáticas em que se alicerçam a investigação e a intervenção do PolObs — Observatório de Políticas de Ciência, Comunicação e Cultura do Centro de Estudos de Comunicação e Sociedade (https://polobs.pt/).
Jan Walravens als verdediger van het modernisme op de Expo 58
Authors: Vanhamel Katrien
Published: June 2024

This contribution combines an introduction to Jan Walravens’ activities as an art critic
The Second Life Metaverse and Its Usefulness in Medical Education After a Quarter of a Century
Authors: Sendra-Portero Francisco , Lorenzo-Álvarez Rocío , Rudolphi-Solero Teodoro , Ruiz-Gómez Miguel José
Published: June 2024

The immersive virtual world platform Second Life (SL) was conceived 25 years ago, when Philip Rosedale founded Linden Lab in 1999 with the intention of developing computing hardware that would allow people to immerse themselves in a virtual world. This initial effort was transformed 4 years later into SL, a universally accessible virtual world centered on the user, with commercial transactions and even its own virtual currency, which fully connects with the concept of the metaverse, recently repopularized after the statements of the chief executive officer of Meta (formerly Facebook) in October 2021. SL is considered the best known virtual environment among higher education professionals. This paper aimed to review medical education in the SL metaverse; its evolution; and its possibilities, limitations, and future perspectives, focusing especially on medical education experiences during undergraduate, residency, and continuing medical education. The concept of the metaverse and virtual worlds was described, making special reference to SL and its conceptual philosophy, historical evolution, and technical aspects and capabilities for higher education. A narrative review of the existing literature was performed, including at the same time a point of view from our teaching team after an uninterrupted practical experience of undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in the last 13 years with >4000 users and >10 publications on the subject. From an educational point of view, SL has the advantages of being available 24/7 and creating in the student the important feeling of “being there” and of copresence. This, together with the reproduction of the 3D world, real-time interaction, and the quality of voice communication, makes the immersive experiences unique, generating engagement and a fluid interrelation of students with each other and with their teachers. Various groups of researchers in medical education have developed experiences during these years, which have shown that courses, seminars, workshops and conferences, problem-based learning experiences, evaluations, teamwork, gamification, medical simulation, and virtual objective structured clinical examinations can be successfully carried out. Acceptance from students and faculty is generally positive, recognizing its usefulness for undergraduate medical education and continuing medical education. In the 25 years since its conception, SL has proven to be a virtual platform that connects with the concept of the metaverse, an interconnected, open, and globally accessible system that all humans can access to socialize or share products for free or using a virtual currency. SL remains active and technologically improved since its creation. It is necessary to continue carrying out educational experiences, outlining the organization, objectives, and content and measuring the actual educational impact to make SL a tool of more universal use.
Formative Evaluation of an Electrically-Powered Orthopedic Exerciser: A Focus Group Interview Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hong Seojin , Choi Hyun , Kweon Hyosun
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Errors while using medical devices, owing to flaws in the user interface design and implementation, can be a risk for users. Accordingly, increasing emphasis is being placed on usability evaluations by actual users in the design and development stages of medical devices to minimize the risk factors that may cause usage errors. Moreover, a usability evaluation is a mandatory requirement for medical device regulations in countries that follow the IEC 60601-1 standard.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to conduct a formative evaluation using focus group interviews (FGIs) and satisfaction surveys with healthcare professionals in the field of rehabilitation medicine to identify areas for improvement to enhance the safety and convenience of an electrically-powered orthopedic exerciser, a lower-extremity medical rehabilitation device, in the prototype stage.

METHODS

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through formative evaluation conducted using FGIs and satisfaction surveys with participants; participants consisted of rehabilitation doctors (n=5) and physical therapists (n=5) with experience in using similar medical devices.

RESULTS

During the formative evaluation, the following three categories were derived to reduce exerciser usage errors: 1) product upgrades to ensure safety, 2) hardware and software improvements for convenience of use, and 3) improvement of the manual for better identifiability and understanding of the product and instructions.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement areas to ensure safety, convenience of use, and clarity of instructions were identified through a formative evaluation based on FGIs and satisfaction surveys with healthcare professionals with experience in using similar medical devices. The factors derived from this formative evaluation are expected to contribute to the development of an improved electrically-powered orthopedic exerciser, and repeated formative and summative evaluations of the improved version will eventually lead to the development of a safe medical device.
Prognosis-Related Communication: Ethical Dilemmas Among the Oncology Nurses in China (Preprint)
Authors: Ko Eunjeong , Shamsalizadeh Neda , Lee Jaehoon , Ni Ping
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Effective communication about prognosis is imperative for enhancing the quality of end-of-life care and improving patient well-being. This practice is sensitive and is heavily influenced by cultural values, beliefs, and norms. This can lead to ethical dilemmas. Despite their significance, ethical challenges in nursing practice relating to prognosis communication are understudied in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the ethical dilemmas relating to prognosis communication and their associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was employed to survey 373 oncology nurses in mainland China via online. Data were collected on ethical dilemmas, attitudes, barriers, prognosis communication experiences, and socio-demographic and practice-related information. Ordinary least squares regression was utilized to identify the factors contributing to ethical dilemmas.

RESULTS

Participants reported a moderate level of ethical dilemmas in prognostic communication (M = 13.5, SD = 3.42, range = 5-20). Significant predictors of these dilemmas included perceived barriers (p < .001), prognosis communication experience (p < .001), and years of work experience (p = .002). Nurses who perceived greater barriers had more negative experiences with prognosis communication, and those with less work experience were more likely to encounter ethical dilemmas in prognosis-related communication

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese oncology nurses frequently encounter ethical dilemmas as well as barriers in prognosis communication. This study's findings emphasize the importance of culturally tailored communication training. Collaborative inter-professional training, particularly through physician-nurse partnerships, can perhaps enhance proficiency in prognosis-related communication.
COMPARISON OF HISTOLOGY PRACTICUM EXAM RESULTS BASED ON THE LEARNING STYLE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Sumargo Kuni Zakiyyah , Hasanuddin Abdi Dzul Ikram , Yusuf Muhamad Nur Syukriani , Pateda Andin Zahrani , Lestari Putri Ayu Eka
Published: June 2024

Background: Histology is one of the essential subjects to be understood in medicine. Identifying the appropriate learning styles can be a solution to improve learning performance and achieve maximum learning outcomes.Aims: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of learning styles on histology practical exam results in medical students.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design by involving students at the medical faculty of Universitas Negeri Gorontalo who contracted the biomedical course I in the 2022/2023 academic year. Learning styles are assessed using a visual-auditory-kinesthetic (VAK) questionnaire to categorize student learning styles. The results of the practicum exam in the form of numbers are obtained from the accumulated scores of the first practicum exam in histology with the topics of cytology, epithelium, and connective tissue. The one-way ANOVA test was conducted to analyze the data.Results: Out of 42 participants involved, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles were 18 people (42.9%), 23 people (54.8%), and 1 people (2.4%), respectively. Generally, the student practicum exam results were 63.62 ± 17.24. Based on the learning styles group of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, the mean (SD) practicum exam results were 66.00 (14.60), 62.43 (19.29), and 48.00 (0.00), respectively (p-value = 0.541).Conclusion: Visual learning style shows marginally better practicum exam results than other learning styles. This result can be considered a learning strategy to improve the results of practicum exams, particularly in the subject of histology practicum courses.
TINJAUAN YURIDIS KONSTRUKSI HUKUM PERJANJIAN PADA JASA TITIP BELI DAN TITIP JUAL
Authors: Yustisia Ridwan Annisa Syaufika
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Personal shopper and consignment gain its popularity in Indonesia in the past few years. Although the goods are entrusted, there are no deposit elements regulated in Civil Code in the relationship between parties. This article analyses the legal construction of Shopping entrusted goods service and entrusted goods selling based on the Civil Code. This article uses a normative approach in finding the legal structure while being supported by secondary legal materials. This article found that legal relationships in personal shoppers can be in sale and purchase or buying agency. While consignment is a new contract that is not specifically regulated in Civil Code.
 
Intisari
Jasa titip beli dan titip jual merupakan hasil dari perkembangan dalam perdagangan barang. Walaupun kedua perjanjian tersebut mengandung kata titip, pada hubungan hukum para pihak tidak ditemukan unsur penitipan yang diatur di Kitab Undang-Undang Hukum Perdata. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji konstruksi hukum perjanjian pada usaha jasa titip beli dan jasa titip jual berdasarkan KUH Perdata. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah normatif yuridis dengan menentukan konstruksi hukum berdasarkan peraturan perundangan yang berlaku. Kesimpulan yang diperoleh dari pembahasan adalah jasa titip beli dapat dipandang sebagai jual beli biasa atau kuasa untuk membeli. Sedangkan titip jual (konsinyasi) nyata merupakan perjanjian jenis baru.
UNCLOS 1982 AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST ILLEGAL FISHING IN INDONESIA: JUDGES’ DIVERGING PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Merdekawati Agustina , Adiyanto Taufiq , Hasibuan Irkham Afnan Trisandi
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Indonesia has not been able to come up with an effective punishment enforcement to deal with illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUUF) in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), partly due to certain legal limitations put forward in United Nations Convention on The Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) regarding the permissible punishment. There are two perspectives of Indonesian judges regarding the imposition of penalties towards IUUF offenders in Indonesia’s EEZ. They agree to impose fines but differ on whether to add substitutive confinement. This study aims to understand the diverging views of judges regarding the implementation of UNCLOS 1982 provisions and to provide recommendations to optimize the law enforcement of fisheries regulations. This study is a normative legal research, which utilizes secondary data. This study concludes that the diverging view is correlated to the judges’ view on the adoption of international laws into national laws and that it is imperative for the Government to choose and optimize one legal policy to achieve an effective law enforcement regime.
 
Intisari
Indonesia mengalami kendala dalam menerapkan penegakan hukuman terhadap pelaku illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUUF) di Zona Ekonomi Eksklusif (ZEE). Terdapat dua perspektif hakim-hakim di Indonesia dalam putusannya terkait penjatuhan hukuman pidana terhadap pelaku IUUF di ZEE Indonesia. Mereka sepakat untuk menjatuhkan pidana denda, namun berbeda pendapat terkait penjatuhan pidana kurungan pengganti denda. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami alasan perbedaaan pandangan oleh hakim terhadap penerapan ketentuan-ketentuan dalam United Nations Convention on The Law of the Sea Tahun 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) dan memberikan rekomendasi optimasi penegakan hukum di bidang perikanan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian legal normatif dengan menggunakan data sekunder. Hasil penelitian menunjukkanbahwa perbedaan pandangan hakim berkaitan dengan pandangan mereka terhadap penerapan hukum internasional ke dalam hukum nasional, dan penting bagi Indonesia untuk memilih dan melakukan optimasi terhadap satu legal policy untuk menciptakan rezim penegakan hukum yang efektif.