bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersion step tuning fiber laser based on a Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Li Duidui , Yin Guolu , Gao Lei , Huang Ligang , Lu Huafeng , Zhu Tao
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a wavelength-stepped swept laser based on a dispersion-tuned swept laser with the integration of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, enabling a transition from continuous wavelength sweeping to wavelength-stepped sweeping. A comprehensive investigation of this laser is conducted, wherein different modulation schemes are employed to dynamically compare the switching mode, static-sweeping mode, and sweeping mode; the absence of mode hopping in the sweeping mode of the laser is verified. However, it is observed during experiments that the wavelength always remains stationary for a long time during the initiation of sweeping and change in sweeping direction, exhibiting latency compared to the modulation frequency variations. Through a simplistic modeling analysis of the composite cavity, it is revealed that the detuned state of the sub-cavity plays a critical role in the stable operation of the laser. Subsequently, simulation verification using the Ginzburg–Landau equation supports this observation. Additionally, compared to dispersion-tuned swept lasers, not only the linewidth significantly is narrowed in the proposed laser, but it also demonstrates enhanced stability during the sweeping process. This study provides, to our knowledge, a new laser source for ultra-fast optical imaging, ranging, and sensing applications, and presents novel methods and theoretical models for linewidth compression in swept lasers.
Cognitive dissonance in tuberculosis stigma: A mixed methods analysis of tuberculosis stigma measurement in South Africa
Authors: Bergman Alanna J. , Budhathoki Chakra , Relf Michael V. , Ndlouvu Nkateko , Mthimkhulu Nomusa , Lerefolo Sibongile , Lowensen Kelly , Farley Jason E.
Published: November 2024

Background

The Patient and Community Perspectives Towards Tuberculosis are the most common measure of tuberculosis (TB) stigma in sub-Saharan Africa. The instrument and its sub-scales (patient and community) have been quantitatively validated but have not undergone qualitative exploration in South Africa.

Methods

We explored whether the Patient Perspectives Towards Tuberculosis adequately represents stigma as experienced by people with TB in South Africa. We used mixed methods to explore differences between the lived experience of TB and the quantitative stigma score. Participants with rifampicin-resistant TB and HIV co-infection completed the quantitative scale. Among those, 30 also completed qualitative interviews about their experiences and perceptions of TB stigma. We used cognitive interviewing techniques to interrogate congruence between the two data sources.

Results

The scale demonstrated adequate factor structure with approximately normal distribution. Participants qualitatively described experiences and perceptions of stigma that contradicted their quantitative responses. The scale could not discriminate between participants who reported distressing experiences of TB stigma, and those who did not. Item wording caused confusion, and many elements of TB stigma most discussed by participants are not reflected in the scale.

Conclusions

The Patient Perspectives Towards Tuberculosis lacks theoretical and experiential domains that are central to TB stigma in South Africa. Studies validating stigma scales in new populations should integrate a mixed-methods approach to ensure content validity.
Mental health issues of children and young people displaced by conflict: A scoping review
Authors: Otorkpa ChinenyeOche , Otorkpa Oche Joseph , Olaniyan Ololade Esther , Adebola Onifade Adefunmilola
Published: November 2024

This research is a scoping review aimed at identifying evidence and studies that address the mental health issues of children and young people forcibly displaced by conflict. It also examines mental health interventions for this population and factors that either favor or worsen their mental health. This issue a major public health issue due to increasing global conflicts that results in the continuous displacement of large populations and the development of new communities where children and young people struggle to re-integrate. This sub-population represents a hidden and at-risk group often not prioritized in planning health interventions for displaced populations. The objective was to identify mental health issues faced by children and young people forcibly displaced by conflict, examine available mental health interventions for this population, and identify factors that favor or worsen their mental health.Four databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and ProQuest) were systematically searched for published evidence. Additionally, the King’s Fund Library, OpenGrey, DANS data archive, APA website, and WHO were searched for gray literature. After applying strict selection criteria, 27 studies were chosen for a full-text review out of the initially identified 4,548 studies. This review identified depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety as the major mental health issues in this population. Other issues included somatic disorders, sleep disturbances, nightmares, encopresis, and substance abuse. These disorders, when left untreated, did not diminish over time post-displacement. Mental health was positively influenced by mental health services and religious activities. Negative factors included prior trauma, female sex, poverty, child abuse, parental violence, and separation. Several psychotherapy interventions were found to be effective. In conclusion mental health issues among forcibly displaced children and young people are prevalent and troubling, yet empirical evidence is insufficient. Further research is needed, especially among internally displaced children and youth.
Serovars, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance profile of non-typhoidal Salmonella in the human-dairy interface in Northwest Ethiopia: A one health approach
Authors: Beyene Achenef Melaku , Alemie Yismaw , Gizachew Mucheye , Yousef Ahmed E. , Dessalegn Bereket , Bitew Abebe Belete , Alemu Amare , Gobena Waktole , Christian Kornschober , Gelaw Baye
Published: November 2024

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a zoonotic pathogen that exerts huge public health and economic impacts in the world. The severity of illness is mainly related to the serovars involved, the presence of virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns. However, data are scarce on serovars, virulence genes, and AMR among NTS identified from the human-dairy interface in Northwest Ethiopia. Thus, this study investigated the serovars, common virulence genes, and AMR patterns of NTS isolates in the area. The study was conducted from June 2022 to August 2023 among randomly selected 58 dairy farms. A total of 362 samples were processed to detect NTS using standard bacteriological methods. The presumptive positive colonies were confirmed by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time-of-Flight (MALDi-ToF). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect virulence genes, including invA and spvC. A slide agglutination test according to the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme was employed to identify the serovars of the NTS isolates. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Of the processed samples (362), 28 (7.7%) NTS isolates were detected. When distributed among samples, the proportions were 11.9%, 10.5%, 10.3%, 5.2%, 4.3%, and 1.7% among cows’ feces, dairy farm sewage, pooled raw milk, milk container swabs, milkers’ stool, and milkers’ hand swab samples, respectively. Six serovars were detected with the dominancy of S. Uganda (39.3%), followed by S. enterica subsp. diarizonae (25.0%) and S. Typhimurium (21.4%). Among the 28 NTS isolates, 100% and 21.4% had the virulence genes invA and spvC, respectively. The susceptibility profile showed that 89.3% of the NTS isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent and 46.4% were resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobials (multidrug-resistant). Among antimicrobials, isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin (57.1%), followed by tetracycline (42.9%) and chloramphenicol (35.7%). On the other hand, the NTS isolates were 100%, 96.4%, and 96.4% susceptible to ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and norfloxacin, respectively. In conclusion, we detected NTS from humans, dairy cows, raw milk, dairy utensils, and the environment (sewage), showing the potential of the human-dairy farm-environment nexus in the NTS circulation. These further highlight that the interface is a good point of intervention in the control and prevention of NTS infection. The susceptibility profiles of the isolate necessitate interventions including the prudent use of the antimicrobials.
Prrx1-driven LINC complex disruption in vivo reduces osteoid deposition but not bone quality after voluntary wheel running
Authors: Birks Scott , Howard Sean , Wright Christian S. , O’Rourke Caroline , Day Elicza A. , Lamb Alexander J. , Walsdorf James R. , Lau Anthony , Thompson William R. , Uzer Gunes
Published: November 2024

The Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex serves to connect the nuclear envelope and the cytoskeleton, influencing cellular processes such as nuclear arrangement, architecture, and mechanotransduction. The role LINC plays in mechanotransduction pathways in bone progenitor cells has been well studied; however, the mechanisms by which LINC complexes govern in vivo bone formation remain less clear. To bridge this knowledge gap, we established a murine model disrupting LINC using transgenic Prx-Cre mice and floxed Tg(CAG-LacZ/EGFP-KASH2) mice. Prx-Cre mice express the Cre recombinase enzyme controlled by the paired-related homeobox gene-1 promoter (Prrx1), a pivotal regulator of skeletal development. Prx-Cre animals have been widely used in the bone field to target bone progenitor cells. Tg(CAG-LacZ/EGFP-KASH2) mice carry a lox-stop-lox flanked LacZ gene allowing for the overexpression of an EGFP-KASH2 fusion protein via cre recombinase mediated deletion of the LacZ cassette. This disrupts endogenous Nesprin-Sun binding in a dominant negative manner disconnecting nesprin from the nuclear envelope. By combining these lines, we generated a Prrx1(+) cell-specific LINC disruption model to study its impact on the developing skeleton and subsequently exercise-induced bone accrual. The findings presented here indicate Prx-driven LINC disruption (PDLD) cells exhibit no change in osteogenic and adipogenic potential compared to controls in vitro nor are there bone quality changes when compared to in sedentary animals at 8 weeks. While PDLD animals displayed increased voluntary running activity andPrrx1(+) cell-specific LINC disruption abolished the exercise-induced increases in osteoid volume and surface after a 6-week exercise intervention, no other changes in bone microarchitecture or mechanical properties were found.
Association between admission baseline blood potassium levels and all-cause mortality in patients with acute kidney injury combined with sepsis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Guo Yifan , Qiu Yue , Xue Taiqi , Yan Pu , Zhao Wenjing , Wang Mengdi , Liu Cheng , Zhang Ning
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Imbalances in blood potassium (K) homeostasis is a significant contributor to the emergence of severe complications, especially among critically ill patients. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are both associated with an increased risk of adverse events. However, it is not known about the impact of blood K levels on risk of intensive care units (ICU) mortality for Acute kidney injury (AKI) combined with sepsis patients. This study aimed to explore the relationship between admission blood K levels and ICU 30-day mortality in patients with AKI combined with sepsis.

Methods

We selected patients diagnosed with AKI and sepsis on their first ICU admission from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The first blood K levels within 24 hours of admission were categorized into three groups according to tertiles (T1 < 3.9 mmol/L, 3.9 ≤ T2 < 4.5 mmol/L, and T3 ≥ 4.5 mmol/L), with T2 serving as the reference. We examined the association between blood K levels and ICU 30-day mortality using accelerated failure time (AFT) models and survival analysis.

Results

A total of 8,242 ICU patients with AKI combined with sepsis were included. In multivariate AFT models, each 1 mmol/L increase in blood K levels was associated with a 13% increase in the risk of ICU 30-day mortality (p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.20). Extended multivariable AFT models showed that, compared to the middle category, patients with high blood K levels (≥ 4.5 mmol/L) were associated with all-cause mortality (p = 0.002, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08–1.38), whereas those with low blood K levels (< 3.9 mmol/L) showed no significant difference (p = 0.385, adjusted HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.93–1.21). Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that patients with high blood K levels had higher mortality, and those with middle blood potassium levels (3.9 ≤ K < 4.5 mmol/L) had the lowest mortality.

Conclusion

The admission baseline blood K levels were significantly associated with ICU 30-day mortality in intensive care patients suffering from AKI in conjunction with sepsis. Therefore, immediate and careful correction of blood potassium imbalances may prove to be a crucial approach in improving outcomes for these patients.
Wiped out by an earthquake? The ‘extinct’ Taiwanese swallowtail butterfly (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) was morphologically and genetically distinct
Authors: Nazari Vazrick , Yen Shen-Horn , Hsu Yu-Feng , Shapoval Galina , Shapoval Nazar , Todisco Valentina
Published: November 2024

For the first time, we obtained for the first time a COI DNA barcode from museum specimens of the Old World swallowtail butterfly endemic to Taiwan, Papilio machaon ssp. sylvina, that has disappeared since the devastating Jiji earthquake in 1999 that shook Central Taiwan. We demonstrate that this population was not only phenotypically distinct, but also had a unique mitochondrial haplotype among all other Holarctic populations of P. machaon. The life history of P. m. sylvina from rearing experiments carried out in the 1990s is illustrated and discussed.
Optimization design of centrifugal impeller based on Bezier surface and FFD space grid parameterization
Authors: Wang Yesong , Sun Zixuan , Liu Jisheng , Liu Manxian , Zhou Yong
Published: November 2024

To enhance the aerodynamic performance of centrifugal impellers, this study presents an advanced optimization design methodology. This methodology addresses the challenges associated with numerous design variables, inflexible configurations, and low optimization efficiency. We propose two distinct spline function parameterization techniques: a global mapping model for Bezier surfaces and a local mapping model for Free-Form Deformation (FFD) control bodies. We investigate the impact of these parameterization methods on blade geometry configuration and aerodynamic performance. By integrating these two parameterization approaches with multi-objective evolutionary algorithms and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, we enable global and local optimization of centrifugal compressor blades. The optimization results demonstrate a 1.77% enhancement in isentropic efficiency under rated operating conditions, a 7.8% increase in surge margin, a 1.6% improvement in isentropic efficiency under normal operating conditions, and an 11.8% enhancement in surge margin. Through two optimization stages, the optimization space for blade geometry is thoroughly explored, enhancing solution quality and contributing to the advancement of impeller mechanical optimization design theory.
Investigation of differences between chronological and vascular age in persons with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Maric Gorica D. , Pekmezovic Tatjana D. , Tamas Olivera S. , Veselinovic Nikola D. , Budimkic Maja S. , Jovanovic Aleksa L. , Mesaros Sarlota K. , Drulovic Jelena S.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To determine vascular age (VA) in a cohort of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in Belgrade, Serbia, and to assess the difference between chronological age (CA) and VA, in this population.

Material and methods

A case-control study was conducted at the Clinic of Neurology, University Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade. Study participants (n = 274) were recruited during regular outpatient visits. Demographic and clinical characteristics including the presence of CVD comorbidities of PwMS were collected. Data were obtained using a questionnaire, designed and adapted for the study purposes. Additionally, fasting blood samples were collected from all participants, in order to determine their lipid profile. VA was calculated based on the patient’s sex, age, smoking status, total serum cholesterol level and systolic blood pressure (SBP) value. Afterwards, the study sample was divided into five groups with the different levels of the atherosclerotic burden, as follows: 1) PwMS without any CVD comorbidity; 2) PwMS with hyperlipidemia (HLP); 3) PwMS with HLP and hypertension (HTA); 4) PwMS with HLP, HTA and type 2 diabetes, and 5) PwMS with coronary artery disease (CAD). In the statistical analysis, for the determination of factors that are independently associated with the discrepancy between CA and VA in persons with MS, hierarchical regression analysis was performed.

Results

The mean values of CA and VA were statistically significantly different among the groups(p<0.001). Additionally, a significant difference was also detected between CA and VA (p<0.001). The highest VA (66.4±15.8 years) and the difference between CA and VA (6.5±7.3 years) were registered only in the group comprising PwMS, HPL, HTA and type 2 diabetes. Results of the hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, Body mass index (BMI), physical activity and the presence of type 2 diabetes, explained a total of 24% of the variations in the difference between CA and VA, in our cohort of MS patients.

Conclusion

Our study showed significant difference between CA and VA in PwMS and additionally, increasing VA with atherosclerotic burden. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that crucial factors which led to the occurrence of these differences were BMI, physical activity, EDSS and the presence of type 2 diabetes.
A cost-effective load side management solution based on power line carrier communication i-PLCC
Authors: Ashraf Maria , Khan Abdul Rafay , Zaidi Syed Sajjad Haider , Gulraiz Asif , Khan Bilal Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Conventional power systems are almost at the verge of their existence and are quickly being replaced by modern, especially smarter alternatives. Rapid and wide deployment of Load side management, which is a smarter and modern way to ensure efficient and economical use of power, is a classic example. However, there are several challenges which need to be addressed before it can be realized as a commercially viable solution. Suitable communication method, called “Home Area Networks”, is a mandatory requirement which should be cost effective, robust and with ability to simultaneously handle large number of devices. Due to various inherent issues, communication protocols commonly used now-a-days, are not fully capable to address the requirements of HANs. Power Line Carrier Communications (PLCC) can be a suitable and efficient alternative of quick realization of HANs. In this paper, various aspects of PLCC have been analyzed for use in HANs. Modulation methods, materials, physical parameters and effect of noise have been analyzed. The paper evaluates performance and effectiveness of FSK modulation with aluminum transmission medium for PLC within a residential environment, focusing on the tradeoffs between distance, transmission medium diameter, and type of transmission medium, and cable gauge, which can degrade the performance of PLCC. A novel simulation model has been presented incorporating RLCG (Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance, and Conductance) tools and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Performance parameter have been comprehensively analyzed of implementation using aluminum as a communication medium. This paper discusses cost effectiveness of PLCC by replacing copper by aluminum as the transmission medium. The study reveals that aluminum cables must be twice the size of copper cable in order to achieve same communication distances. Higher carrier frequencies in FSK modulation increase noise susceptibility, consequently reducing achievable communication distances. Cables with smaller diameters results in lower transmission ranges. These results highlight the trade-offs involved in implementing FSK for in-home PLCC (iPLCC). The study highlights how crucial it is to take these trade-offs into account while developing and refining FSK-based iPLCC systems for use in smart homes.
Assessing the accuracy and consistency of answers by ChatGPT to questions regarding carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Qiu Jun , Zhou Youlian
Published: November 2024

Background

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is an artificial intelligence software designed to generate text-based responses. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of ChatGPT’s responses to single-choice questions pertaining to carbon monoxide poisoning. This evaluation will contribute to our understanding of the reliability of ChatGPT-generated information in the medical field.

Methods

The questions utilized in this study were selected from the "Medical Exam Assistant (Yi Kao Bang)" application and encompassed a range of topics related to carbon monoxide poisoning. A total of 44 single-choice questions were included in the study following a screening process. Each question was entered into ChatGPT ten times in Chinese, followed by a translation into English, where it was also entered ten times. The responses generated by ChatGPT were subjected to statistical analysis with the objective of assessing their accuracy and consistency in both languages. In this assessment process, the "Medical Exam Assistant (Yi Kao Bang)" reference responses were employed as benchmarks. The data analysis was conducted using the Python.

Results

In approximately 50% of the cases, the responses generated by ChatGPT exhibited a high degree of consistency, whereas in approximately one-third of the cases, the responses exhibited unacceptable blurring of the answers. Meanwhile, the accuracy of these responses was less favorable, with an accuracy rate of 61.1% in Chinese and 57% in English. This indicates that ChatGPT could be enhanced with respect to both consistency and accuracy in responding to queries pertaining to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Conclusions

It is currently evident that the consistency and accuracy of responses generated by ChatGPT regarding carbon monoxide poisoning is inadequate. Although it offers significant insights, it should not supersede the role of healthcare professionals in making clinical decisions.
Manufacturing sector spatial pattern evolution and its relationship with regional economic differences: Evidence from Jiangsu, China
Authors: Li Enkang , Liu Zhifeng , Ma Yingyi , Zhong Wen , Zhang Ruoyan
Published: November 2024

This study presents the case of China’s Jiangsu Province. The spatial-temporal pattern evolution of different manufacturing sectors is discussed using spatial analysis technology (spatial autocorrelation and standard deviation ellipses). The Granger test is used to analyze the relationship between the change in the manufacturing industry spatial agglomeration and regional economic differences. The following conclusions are drawn: 1) The spatial agglomeration trend of most manufacturing sectors is weakening. Much of the manufacturing sector, like the rubber and plastic product industries, has been transferred from southern to northern Jiangsu. 2) From the scale, only a minority of these enterprises possess substantial registered capital. The capital injection scale of more manufacturing enterprises is insignificant. At the same time, manufacturing companies with substantial financial resources are increasingly inclined to choose less-concentrated areas when choosing new investment areas. 3) The reduction of regional economic differences is considered to be the Granger-cause for the decline of the spatial agglomeration degree of the manufacturing industry in Jiangsu Province. Analyzing the spatiotemporal pattern of the manufacturing industry in Jiangsu Province will provide specific policy reference values for the manufacturing industry and economic development of Jiangsu province. In addition, for companies of different sizes, the findings of this paper also provide valuable references on how they can choose suitable investment locations according to their size in the future.
Gender differences in representation, citations, and h-index: An empirical examination of the field of communication across the ten most productive countries
Authors: Goyanes Manuel , Herrero Esperanza , de-Marcos Luis
Published: November 2024

Women researchers have been shown to be underrepresented in science, especially among the most productive scholars. This is especially relevant in the social sciences and humanities fields, where gender parity is closer, but disparities among top scholars are still pronounced. The gender gap in the field of communication has been explored from several approaches, but studies focusing on gender differences in representation, citations, and h-index are rather scarce. Drawing upon data retrieved from SciVal, we conducted a comparative study of the top 500 and top 100 most productive scholars (N = 5000) for each of the ten most productive countries in communication research in the 2019–2022 period: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Spain, Germany, India, Australia, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. The results indicate a consistent underrepresentation of women, particularly among the top 500, across countries. Despite women being cited more frequently than men in some countries over shorter time frames, a gender bias persists favoring men, particularly when considering the h-index. All in all, our study shows that, despite hints of gender equality in citation patterns, the gender gap still constitutes a structural part of the field of communication when addressing gender representation in research productivity and long-term dynamics of research impact.
Treatment approaches to horses with acute diarrhea admitted to referral institutions: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Gomez Diego E. , Kopper Jamie J. , Byrne David P. , Renaud David L. , Schoster Angelika , Dunkel Bettina , Arroyo Luis G. , Mykkanen Anna , Gilsenan William F. , Pihl Tina H. , Lopez-Navarro Gabriela , Tennent-Brown Brett S. , Hostnik Laura D. , Mora-Pereira Mariano , Marques Fernando , Gold Jenifer R. , DeNotta Sally L. , Desjardins Isabelle , Stewart Allison J. , Kuroda Taisuke , Schaefer Emily , Oliver-Espinosa Olimpo J. , Agne Gustavo Ferlini , Uberti Benjamin , Veiras Pablo , Delph Miller Katie M. , Gialleti Rodolfo , John Emily , Toribio Ramiro E.
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to describe and compare therapeutic approaches for horses with acute diarrhea in different geographic regions worldwide.

Methods

Clinical information was retrospectively collected from diarrheic horses presented to participating institutions between 2016 and 2020, including fluid therapy on admission, antimicrobial drugs, probiotics, anti-endotoxic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, gastroprotectants, digital cryotherapy, and toxin-binding agents. Seasonal and geographic differences were investigated.

Results

1438 horses from 26 participating hospitals from 5 continents were included. On admission, 65% (926/1419) of horses were administered a fluid bolus. Antimicrobial drugs were administered to 55% (792/1419) within the first 24 hours of admission, with penicillin and gentamicin being the most used combination (25%, 198/792). Horses with leukopenia (OR: 2.264, 95%CI: 1.754 to 2.921; P<0.001) or meeting systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria (OR: 2.542, 95%CI: 1.919 to 3.368; P<0.001) had higher odds of being administered antimicrobial drugs. Other treatments administered included probiotics (15%, 215/1438), polymyxin B (13%; 187/1438), pentoxifylline (8%; 118/1438), gastroprotectants (44%; 626/1419), digital cryotherapy (34%; 489/1435), plasma transfusion (13%; 182/1410) and toxin-binding agents (36%; 515/1438).

Limitations

Due to the retrospective nature of the study, the rationale for treatment decisions was unavailable, and associations with survival could not be evaluated.

Conclusions

Treatments varied between hospitals from different geographic regions. Prospective clinical trials are required to evaluate the effects of various treatments on survival.
A case study of bio-charcoal made from Khat residue for Hawassa City, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreyes Endale Fekade , Teferi Solomon Tesfamariam , Adem Kamil Dino
Published: November 2024

The leaves of ’khat’ (Catha edulis Forsk), a plant widely grown in Ethiopia are chewed by local people for their stimulant action. Its branches and part of the leaves are thrown as solid waste. The objectives of this study was to characterize fuel briquette made from this waste disposed in Hawassa city, Ethiopia. First, charcoal fines were prepared from the khat branches and the leaves. The charcoal fines were then mixed with 20% of clay as a binder. It was followed by molding the mixture in a press machine to produce Branch Charcoal Briquette (BCB) and Leaves Charcoal Briquette (LCB). The experimental results showed the Carbonized Branch Briquette Charcoal (CBBC) has an average calorific values of 19,890 kJ/kg and its other performance parameters are also within the acceptable range. Hence, the city’s khat residue can be easily processed into CBBC to substitute yearly 480 ton of charcoal and reduce roughly 1,020 tons of carbon dioxide emission to the environment. The Carbonized Leaves Briquette Charcoal (CLBC) did not gave satisfactory results. Hence, it had been recommended to be studied further.
Assessment of risk factors for virological nonsuppression following switch to dolutegravir and lamivudine, or bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate in a real-world cohort of treatment-experienced adults living with HIV
Authors: Lee Shu-Yuan , Lin Yi-Chun , Chen Cheng-Pin , Cheng Shu-Hsing , Chang Shu-Ying , Ku Shin-Yen , Cheng Chien-Yu
Published: November 2024

Conflicting data exists regarding the baseline determinants of virological nonsuppression outcomes in treatment-experienced people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) switching to antiretroviral treatment (ART) with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (BIC/FTC/TAF) or dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) in Asia. This retrospective observational study, conducted at a designated HIV-care hospital from October 2019 to January 2023, aimed to address this gap. We assessed the odds of virological nonsuppression (VNS) at weeks 48 using logistic regression. A total of 988 patients were included, 35 patients (3.5%) with VNS at week 48. Pre-existing primary resistance-associated mutations (RAM) to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) were identified in 11.0% (51/465) and 14.4% (67/465), respectively. The identified risk factor was a record of virological failure ≥2 times (AOR 5.32, 95% CI 2.04–13.85), while an HIV viral load <50 copies/mL within the past three months before switch (AOR: 0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.72) was identified as a protective factor. No cases of acquired drug resistance-associated mutations were detected at week 48. Additionally, DTG/3TC was noninferior to BIC/FTC/TAF in achieving or maintaining HIV RNA levels of <50 copies/mL, within a -10% noninferiority margin in the per-protocol analysis (responder proportion: 98.2% vs. 95.0%, respectively; adjusted treatment difference [95% CI], 3.2% [0.7% to 5.3%]). In conclusion, DTG/3TC and BIC/FTC/TAF demonstrated good effectiveness in a real-world cohort, but frequent virological failure before the switch might impact the benefits of these regimens in the short term of follow-up.
Biomechanical conditions of subtalar joint arthrodesis with calcaneal locking nail: A probabilistic numerical study
Authors: Pahl Timon , Radtke Albrecht , Büttner Joana F. , Mittlmeier Thomas , Weißgraeber Philipp
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Subtalar joint arthrodesis is primarily indicated for advanced osteoarthritis, hindfoot deformity, and/or instability. During the first 6-10 weeks after surgery, there is an intermediary structurally weaker state before complete bony fusion of the calcaneus and talus occurs. Loading of the foot can lead to mechanical stresses and relative movements in the former joint gap, which can impede the fusion process. The objective of this study was to examine the mechanical healing conditions for a subtalar arthrodesis with a calcaneal locking nail.

Methods

A probabilistic finite element model of the subtalar joint with a calcaneal locking nail was created to represent the foot post-surgery that accounts for the uncertainty of the material properties. The model differentiates between cortical and cancellous bone and includes non-linear contact definitions in the subtalar joint. Multiple loading scenarios, including hindfoot inversion/eversion, were simulated to determine bone and implant stresses. Utilizing local articular coordinate systems, a displacement analysis was established to separate normal and tangential components and account for their separate effects. The loading of the locking nail was assessed through section moments.

Results

Under inversion/eversion loading, the area near the locking screws and upper end of the nail experienced the highest stresses. The maximum stresses in cortical and cancellous bone were 112±8.3 MPa and 2.1±0.2 MPa, respectively. The comparison of the von Mises and maximum principal stresses for the bones showed a load case dependency with strong effect on tensile loading states. The proposed method for the analysis of relative displacement in the local articular coordinate systems showed joint regions exhibiting normal and tangential movements that changed with the considered loading states. It was found that tangential displacements of up to 0.19 mm are related to the torsional loading of the calcaneal locking nail, which is connected to the corresponding torsional stiffness of the implant and its fixation in the calcaneus and talus. Normal displacements in the joint gap of up to -0.18 mm can be shown to be governed by the bending moments acting on the calcaneal locking nail, which are linked to the nail’s bending stiffness. The ratio of tangential and normal displacement in the critical inversion configuration was determined to be -1.1.

Conclusions

Inversion and eversion loads can lead to significant mechanical loading of the bones and to bending and torsional loading of the locking nail. The bending leads to normal displacements in the articular gap. Torsions can lead to significant tangential displacements that have been shown to promote non-union instead of bony fusion.
Optimized technique for speaker changes detection in multispeaker audio recording using pyknogram and efficient distance metric
Authors: Kaur Sukhvinder , Prabha Chander , Singh Ravinder Pal , Gupta Deepali , Juneja Sapna , Gupta Punit , Nauman Ali
Published: November 2024

Segmentation process is very popular in Speech recognition, word count, speaker indexing and speaker diarization process. This paper describes the speaker segmentation system which detects the speaker change point in an audio recording of multi speakers with the help of feature extraction and proposed distance metric algorithms. In this new approach, pre-processing of audio stream includes noise reduction, speech compression by using discrete wavelet transform (Daubechies wavelet ‘db40’ at level 2) and framing. It is followed by two feature extraction algorithms pyknogram and nonlinear energy operator (NEO). Finally, the extracted features of each frame are used to detect speaker change point which is accomplished by applying dissimilarity measures to find the distance between two frames. To realize it, a sliding window is moved across the whole data stream to find the highest peak which corresponds to the speaker change point. The distance metrics incorporated are standard “Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC)”, “Kullback Leibler Divergence (KLD)”, “T-test” and proposed algorithm to detect the speaker boundaries. At the end, threshold value is applied and their results are evaluated with Recall, Precision and F-measure. Best result of 99.34% is shown by proposed distance metric with pyknogram as compare to BIC, KLD and T-test algorithms.
Angioedema y lupus eritematoso sistémico: ¿Una asociación inusual o poco sospechada?
Authors: Sadonio María José , Castro Maximiliano Gabriel , Galluccio Federico
Published: November 2024

Según la Organización Mundial de Alergia, el angioedema se caracteriza por una reacción vascular transitoria de los tejidos dérmicos- subcutáneos profundos o de los tejidos mucosos- submucosos, con un aumento localizado de la permeabilidad de los vasos sanguíneos que provoca la inflamación del tejido. Esta patología puede ser hereditaria o adquirida. El angioedema se asocia a lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) hasta en un 2% de casos. A continuación se presentan una serie de tres casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de angioedema asociado a LES y una revisión de la literatura disponible sobre el tema.
Prácticas singulares en la educación teatral
Authors: Ossa Montoya Arley Fabio , García García José Joaquín , Parada Moreno Nubia Jeannette
Published: November 2024

Esta investigación identifica las prácticas singulares en la educación teatral, en la Escuela de Formación de Actores de Pequeño Teatro de Medellín. Para ello, se realizó una entrevista semiestructurada a seis actores graduados de esta Escuela. Las respuestas se analizaron usando la técnica del análisis de discurso, para identificar categorías emergentes de dichas prácticas singulares. La mayoría de prácticas calificadas como singulares en la formación teatral se relacionaron con propiciar la empatía, la sensibilización, la apertura transdisciplinaria frente a diversas realidades, la implicación en procesos de resolución de problemas, la movilización corporal y la creatividad, expresada en trayectos vitales y académicos.
Artista de provincia, objetos extrañados, tiempos de emancipación
Authors: Pineda Repizo Adryan Fabrizio
Published: November 2024

Este artículo presenta una relación entre la idea de lo provincial y la emancipación desde el arte colombiano. Lo provincial, término acuñado por Beatriz González, supone un lugar de enunciación crítico y poético. La emancipación, por su parte, apunta a la búsqueda de sentido que supone la lucha contra las diversas formas de opresión, lucha que se expresa en prácticas y recursos artísticos que extrañan el orden regular y apuntan a un tiempo posible. Para plantear la relación entre estas dos ideas, se referencian algunos casos de obras de arte colombiano cuyo singular recurso ha sido la apropiación de un objeto cotidiano para suscitar una experiencia de extrañamiento. De esta manera, se muestra que al tomar un objeto, a la vez, se pone sobre la mesa el lugar de enunciación provincial del arte colombiano, entendido como una posición crítica de disensión y transgresión respecto al presente.
Historical Revisionism and Economic Impact on Forgeries. An initial proposal.
Authors: Harillo Pla Adrià
Published: November 2024

The initial hypothesis of this theoretical article is that correlations exist between historical revisionism and economic impact on art forgeries. After stating that forgeries have the intention to deceive and their existence is due to the positive values associated with them, we clarify that historical revisionism has an impact on material culture, its display, and its exchange. We state that artworks and art forgeries are examples of material culture. Nevertheless, we describe the art market as one with information problems and a lack of incentives to publicly categorize something as a forgery. Therefore, we conclude that historical revisionism can impact the production of forgeries, but its exchange and display follow an equal dynamic to its original.
La Voz en el Bullerengue: Canto de Libertad, ‘Creación al Instante’
Authors: Gómez Suárez Claudia
Published: November 2024

El bullerengue es una práctica musical y dancística influenciada por las tradiciones musicales negras del África occidental que incluye tambores, bailadores y cantadores. En las últimas décadas ha habido una transformación en la interpretación vocal del bullerengue, adquiriendo más relevancia. Este artículo presenta un análisis musical centrado en la estructura rítmica, melódica y textual de algunos cantos representativos de la tradición bullerenguera, así como una evaluación acústica de la voz en estos cantos, a partir de parámetros como la resonancia, timbre, tono y registro. El análisis de la voz del bullerengue desde la escucha funcional se basa en conceptos vocales del canto popular como el registro mixto y la configuración vocal twang y en aspectos culturales propios de la tradición afrocolombiana. Se analizan las interpretaciones de seis cantadores colombianos: Etelvina Maldonado de la Hoz, Eustiquia Amaranto, Ceferina Banquez, Sabina Escudero, Mathieu Ruz Lobo, y Carolina Oliveros. Aunque tienen formas diversas de cantar bullerengue, conectadas a sus historias y contextos, interpretan el bullerengue como una expresión musical comunitaria
Una cama. Mil y una vidas. Una reflexión sensible, materializada en performance, sobre el trabajo sexual de mujeres transgénero dentro del sector de Barbacoas, Medellín.
Authors: Bohórquez Barrera Wilson Stiven
Published: November 2024

Una cama. Mil y una vidas es una performace que tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre la realidad social y emocional que atraviesan tanto la población de trabajadoras sexuales transgénero del sector de Barbacoas en Medellín como sus clientes asiduos al vivir mediados y divididos por diferentes identidades. De esta manera se busca, por un lado, invitar a la reflexión en torno a los prejuicios arcaicos que aún se ejercen en la cultura antioqueña alrededor de la disidencia sexual y, por el otro, cuestionar las dinámicas que cosifican al disidente sexual como un mero objeto de consumo. Atravesado entonces por un quehacer metodológico interdisciplinar que abarca desde la etnografía hasta el arte relacional, la intervención logra representar simbólicamente mil vidas en una sola acción acompañada de soportes sensibles emplazados en el sector como constituyentes representativos de los cuerpos otros, los cuerpos que importan.
Analítica de la musealización del conflicto armado en Colombia
Authors: Vargas Martínez Sonia
Published: November 2024

Con la analítica de la musealización exploro dos exposiciones emblemáticas por representar la nación y las víctimas del conflicto armado: la sala Memoria y Nación del Museo Nacional y Fragmentos, Espacio de Arte y Memoria, de la artista Doris Salcedo. Problematizo la musealización que se configura en ambos casos como un dispositivo de visibilidad (una forma de mostrar y representar a las víctimas y al conflicto armado), y como una máquina afectiva (que hace posible la producción, circulación y consumo de afectos/emociones/sentimientos para interpelar a sus visitantes). Con la analítica se hace visible la articulación entre instituciones, prácticas, técnicas y discursos institucionales y se centran las experiencias de sus visitantes. Los resultados de esta investigación conducen a hacer visible cómo la musealización participa en la construcción de narrativas sobre la nación a partir de la inclusión de la otredad y del dolor/sanación de las víctimas, y señalan cómo las economías morales y la cultura del sentimientoinvisibilizan la gubernamentalidad de las emociones allí dispuesta, como tecnologías neoliberales de gobiernos actuales que trabajan en la modelación de los afectos.
De lo óntico a lo inmanente: un enfoque epistemológico para el aprendizaje y la enseñanza de la interpretación musical instrumental basada en criterios ontológicos
Authors: Castaño Castaño Paula Marcela
Published: November 2024

Desde el punto de vista epistemológico, la educación de la interpretación de música instrumental es un fenómeno complejo que trasciende los ámbitos del arte, la técnica y la educación musical. También abarca áreas como la estética, la axiología, la cultura, la sociología y la ontología. En este artículo, se argumenta que el resultado de la educación de la interpretación musical instrumental, como producto óntico de obra de arte, puede trascender hacia lo ontológico de la música en el proceso educativo. Esto transforma alsujeto de aprendizaje a través de unas propuestas metodológicas que, a la postre, crean una condición inmanente que permite afectar positivamente su psique, ayudándolo a superar las realidades actuales que enfrenta en el contexto educativo.
Descolonizar la investigación-creación
Authors: Gómez Moreno Pedro Pablo
Published: November 2024

La relación entre la investigación y la creación tiene una larga historia que es coetánea a las distinciones, divisiones y jerarquías coloniales de la modernidad, cuando la razón sustantiva se dividió en ciencias, moralidad y arte. En décadas recientes, la relación entre la investigación y la creación ha tomado la forma de una serie de categorías relacionales, entre ellas: la investigación basada en las artes, investigación creación, las artes como investigación, investi-creación, investigación-creadora, creación-investigadora o, simplemente, como investigación-creación.
Reseña Escritos sobre políticas culturales
Authors: Bustos Marta
Published: November 2024

El libro "Escritos sobre políticas culturales" fue publicado en mayo de 2019 en Río de Janeiro por la Fundación Casa de Rui Barbosa, coincidiendo con el inicio del mandato de Jair Bolsonaro como presidente de Brasil y un año antes de que la pandemia del COVID-19 impactara al mundo en 2020. Estos dos hitos temporales son clave para contextualizar la política cultural brasileña y la difusión de esta obra. Desde el comienzo de su gobierno, Bolsonaro mostró una postura adversa hacia la cultura, evidenciada por actos de censura y ataques a productos culturales y por la transformación del Ministerio de Cultura en una secretaría subordinada, primero al Ministerio de Ciudadanía y luego, en noviembre de 2019, al Ministerio de Turismo (Rubin & Nivon, 2021). Por otro lado, en 2020, la pandemia limitó los encuentros presenciales y expuso la precariedad de diversos sectores culturales, aunque también impulsó la circulación de materiales y contenidos a través de tecnologías de comunicación y redes sociales.