bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KOMUNIKASI INTRAPERSONAL MELALUI MEDITASI (STUDI FENOMENOLOGI DI INSTAGRAM @PISHIYOGA)
Authors: Amanda Hape Virnica , Nurfalah Farida , Dian Lestari Aghnia
Published: May 2024

Humans, as individual beings, must have an awareness of their thoughts and behavior so that they can find balance and self-concept. Therefore, humans need to carry out intrapersonal communication optimally, and one form of embodiment of intrapersonal communication is meditation. Researchers use Instagram @pishiyoga as a medium for meditation because it has flexibility. The purpose of this study was to find out the process of intrapersonal communication through meditation on Instagram @pishiyoga. The data sources used in this paper are primary and secondary data. The research method is a phenomenologic qualitative approach that aims to reduce individual experience to get the essentials. Primary data in the study were obtained from complete participation observations involving researchers as research subjects and interviews. In contrast, secondary data were obtained from literature and documentation to support the data that had been obtained. Data collection methods used are observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis was done through data reduction, presentation, verification, and conclusion. The study results show that intrapersonal communication through meditation is interpreted as a process of finding identity, gaining awareness, and a necessity in the process of self-healing, which is intended to obtain the formation of a personality. positive self-concept
WORD OF MOUTH SEBAGAI KOMUNIKASI PEMASARAN PRODUK HANDMADE ANAK BERKEBUTUHAN KHUSUS
Authors: Oktaviani Femi , Sonia Asydah Siti
Published: May 2024

Kegiatan komunikasi pemasaran bukan hal yang mudah dilakukan untuk memasarkan produk agar dapat diterima dan dikonsumsi oleh konsumen. Komunikasi pemasaran bagi anak berkebutuhan khusus perlu perhatian lebih untuk memastikan pesan yang disampaikan dapat diterima dengan baik oleh orang lain.  Pada penelitian ini, berfokus pada kegiatan komunikasi pemasaran melalui word of mouth oleh anak berkebutuhan khusus dalam memasarkan produk handmade seperti bin bag dan tas. Jarang dijumpai anak yang memiliki keterbatasan namun dapat memproduksi sekaligus memasarkan produknya kepada calon konsumen. Tujuan penelitian yaitu untuk mengetahui jenis, langkah-langkah dan dimensi word of mouth  yang dilakukan oleh anak berkebutuhan memasarkan produk hanmade. Penelitian ini sebagai penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Data yang diperoleh melalui observasi dan wawancara, serta di dukung oleh dokumentasi peneliti. Hasil penelitian menunjukan organic word of  mouth sebagai jenis word of mouth pada komunikasi pemasaran produk handmade anak berkebutuhan khusus, terjadi secara alamiah dari konsumen produk handmade kepada orang lain. Terdapat lima langkah dalam word of mouth; menciptakan layanan baik, mengidentifikasikan secara detail tentang keunikan dari produk handmade, memahami segmentasi produk, membangun hubungan dengan konsumen dan pemanfaatan media social. Selanjutnya, dimensi word of mouth  yang digunakan; talkers, topics dan taking part sebagai upaya dalam menambah kepercayaan konsumen terhadap produknya handmade yang dihasilkan oleh anak berkebutuhan khusus.
Predictors and Associations of Prolonged Tracheostomy in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients
Authors: Bipin Chalattil , Sahu Manoj Kumar , Singh Sarvesh Pal , Choudhary Shiv Kumar
Published: May 2024

Objectives: To describe the predictors and associations of prolonged tracheostomy duration in pediatric cardiac surgical patients.

Method: Prospective study. All pediatric patients below 10 years of age who underwent tracheostomy after cardiac surgery from January 2019 to December 2019, were subdivided into short and long groups according to the tracheostomy duration during the intrahospital stay if more than 21 days. Different variables were compared.

Results:1084 pediatric patients who underwent cardiac surgery during study period, 41 (3.7%) received tracheostomy. LT group was associated with univentricular repair (p=0.03) and sepsis (p=0.04), longer days of ventilation (p=0.0005), higher number of extubation trials (p=0.02), higher accidental tracheostomy tube dislodgement (p=0.048), ventilator-associated pneumonia (p=0.013), more days of feed interruption (p=0.0089), higher days of hospital stay (p=0.0001) and intensive care unit stay (p=0.0001). ST was associated with significantly higher anticipated longer duration of ventilation and earlier liberation from the ventilator as an indication for tracheostomy than LT (p=0.02).

Conclusions: Univentricular repair, sepsis, longer mechanical ventilation, longer duration of intensive care unit and hospital stay, a higher number of extubation trials, higher number of accidental tracheostomy tube dislodgement, ventilator-associated pneumonia, higher days of feed interruption were found to be significant associations with a long duration tracheostomy.
Strategic approach to the application of economic levers in environmentally safe agriculture
Authors: Drebot O. , Lazarenko V.
Published: May 2024

This article examines the issue of application and implementation of economic levers for ecologically safe goods of agricultural origin as a part of a complex of measures of the general environmental policy of the state in the long term, which is regulated by the current norms of Ukrainian legislation. The toolkit for this category of goods is presented in the form of state and commercial means that regulate the sale and use of environmentally safe goods and services, not limiting their direction only to the greening of the production process of agriculture, but also to the comprehensive solution of modern problems of environmental awareness of society and solution of urgent problems of the economy of nature use. At the same time, both at the level of the average individual and at the level of the industrial consumer of agricultural resources, as well as the interests of the state in the context of ensuring environmental safety standards are taken into account. Consideration of this issue was carried out using the assessment of four categories of economic levers: taxes on ecological products of agriculture, tax differentiation of this category of goods, a system of incentives for the transformation of the agricultural production process to a resource-saving business model, the responsibility of producers for causing damage to the surrounding natural environment of the agricultural sphere as at the state level and at the level of individual producers. It was determined that each of these levers has certain advantages and disadvantages, as a result of which it is appropriate to use them in connection with certain measures within the framework of the general environmental policy for certain goods, while in other cases they are less effective. At the current stage of the development of the environmental policy of Ukraine, the main task is to determine the appropriate tools for solving a specific environmental problem, in particular — the post-war restoration of agricultural resources, the elimination of the consequences of the active phase of hostilities of the Russian-Ukrainian war in the medium and long term, as well as increasing the further level of environmental information support for the purpose of solving environmental problems of the post-war restoration of agricultural resources.
Household solid waste management systems in Ukraine taking into account European experience
Authors: Vysochanska M. , Mishenin E.
Published: May 2024

The article defines that the solid household waste management system is a complex of organizational, technical, economic and social measures aimed at effective collection, sorting, transportation, utilization and processing of solid household waste. An effective solid waste management system helps to ensure sustainable development, reduce the negative impact on the environment and promotes the use of waste as a resource for new products or energy. The article presents the experience of Germany, Sweden and Poland in the field of solid waste management. The peculiarities of such management are described for each of the countries. It has been established that the organization of the solid household waste management system in European countries differs in a number of features, which are determined by environmental standards, social values and strategies of sustainable development, which are aimed at solving problems related to the generation, storage, processing and utilization of waste. We propose directions for improving the solid waste management system in Ukraine, namely: development and implementation of sorting systems in households (will allow more efficient use of resources and ensure their further processing); introduction of extended producer responsibility; increasing the number and development of modern facilities for the processing and secondary processing of solid household waste; attraction of investments for the introduction of the latest technologies in the processing of solid household waste; implementation of effective incentive systems for enterprises engaged in secondary processing of solid household waste; implementation of modern technologies for tracking the volume of solid household waste, its composition and transportation routes; creation of digital platforms for information exchange between waste management, enterprises and citizens; development of programs and educational activities to increase environmental awareness of the community and their active participation in the solid waste management system; revision and improvement of legislation to meet modern environmental requirements; introduction of effective fines and incentives for enterprises and citizens that comply with or violate solid waste management requirements. Improving the solid waste management system in Ukraine can be achieved with the participation of state bodies, the business sector and the public, relying on the best experience of the European Union and other countries.
Content of heavy metals in bottom sediments of drained Kakhovka Reservoir
Authors: Hryshchenko O. , Palamarchuk R. , Tsyhanov I. , Syrovatko V. , Yatsenko Yu.
Published: May 2024

The article highlights the ecological danger of the destruction of the Kakhovka HPP dam and the draining of the Kakhovka Reservoir. The results of experimental studies of the content of mobile compounds and gross forms of heavy metals in five samples of bottom sediments taken from the bottom of drained reservoirs taken on the territory of the Kushugum community of the Zaporizhia district of the Zaporizhia region. Two samples were taken from the bottom of the former flood zone (Balabyne village), 2 samples — from the bottom of the former limestone quarry, which was connected to the floodplain of the Dnipro (Kushugum village) and 1 sample taken from the open area of the Kakhovka Reservoir (Malokaterynivka village). Based on the results of the research, it was established that the maximum permissible limit (for soil) of mobile compounds of lead (from 2.0 to 4.1 times), zinc (from 2.4 to 5.4 times), cadmium (from 1.9 to 2.5 times) was exceeded. and nickel (from 1.04 to 2.2 times) in all investigated bottom sediment samples. Exceeding the MPC (soil) for the content of gross forms of lead was found in five bottom sediment samples (from 1.1 to 1.5 times). Exceedings of the MPC of the soil by the content of gross forms of cadmium and manganese and mobile compounds of copper, nickel, cobalt and manganese were not detected. The maximum limit for the content of mobile compounds of iron and gross forms of zinc, copper, nickel, cobalt and iron is not regulated. The highest degree of contamination of bottom sediments by the content of: mobile compounds and gross forms of lead and nickel was found in samples taken from the bottom of a former limestone quarry (Kushugum village, Zaporizhzhia region); zinc — in a sample taken from the bottom of the former flood zone in the territory of the town of Balabyne and a sample taken from the open area of the Kakhovka Reservoir in the territory of the town of Malokaterynivka; cadmium — in the samples taken from the bottom of the former limestone quarry in the territory of the town of Balabyne and the sample taken from the open area of the Kakhovka Reservoir in the territory of the town of Malokaterynivka. According to the results of the correlation analysis, an extremely strong dependence was established between the content of mobile compounds of heavy metals and their gross forms — for cobalt (r=0.96), cadmium (r=0.92), nickel (r=0.91), lead (r=0.88) and zinc (r=0.84).
Dynamics of radioactive contamination of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) in the forests of Zhytomyr Polissia (Ukraine) since the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident
Authors: Zhukovskyi O. , Krasnov V. , Kurbet T. , Orlov O. , Veselskyi O.
Published: May 2024

The article presents results of study of levels of radioactive soil contamination and 137Cs activity concentration in the aboveground part of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) phytomass and berries on permanent experimental plots in different years since the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident (forest site type conditions — moist fairly infertile pine site type (B3), soils — soddy-podzolic sandy-loam on fluvioglacial sands). The research was conducted at the Poliskyi Branch of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Forest Melioration named after G.M. Vysotsky over the years 1998–2021, utilized methods generally accepted in forest science and radioecology were used. Results were processed using statistical analysis. To substantiate the research, an official reporting data from forestry enterprises of the Volyn, Rivne and Zhytomyr regions were used. An analytical review of the state of research on this problem revealed that at the last 10–15 years there were no scientific publications on the study of 137Cs contamination of lingonberry. It was demonstrated that there was significant reduction in the density of radioactive soil contamination and 137Cs activity concentration in the aboveground part of lingonberry phytomass and berries in the forests of the research region over the observation period. It was found that the main part of the total 137Cs activity is currently located in the upper (10 cm) layer of the mineral part of the soil — 74.7% where root systems of herbaceous and dwarf-shrub species are concentrated in forest ecosystems. It was established that a considerable content of the radionuclide is retained in the aboveground part of lingonberry phytomass even with low density of radioactive soil contamination. It was found that in 1998, at relatively low value of soil 137Cs contamination density (49±5.6 kBq∙m–2), specific activity of 137Cs in aboveground phytomass of lingonberry was 8043±511 Bq∙kg–1, while in 2021 (value of soil 137Cs contamination density 22±0.3 kBq∙m–2) — 1046±182 Bq∙kg–1. The values of radionuclide transfer coefficients in 1998 were quite significant and varied within wide range: in the air-dry aboveground phytomass from 33.4 to 164.1 m2∙kg–1∙10–3 and in the fresh berries, from 9.5 to 26.0 m2∙kg–1∙10–3. Dependencies between density of radioactive soil contamination and the content of 137Cs in the aboveground part of lingonberry phytomass and berries were calculated, which can be applied in the practice of their harvesting. It was found that lingonberry belongs to the group of plants characterized by the high content of 137Cs in the aboveground vegetative phytomass. Harvesting of lingonberry leaves for the production of medicinal products should be restricted in all areas contaminated with 137Cs. Lingonberry fresh berries can be harvested in areas with a radioactive soil contamination density up to 74 kBq∙m–2.
Biological activity of sod-podzolic soils at different levels of radioactive contamination
Authors: Volkohon I.
Published: May 2024

The biological (enzymatic) activity of sod-podzolic soils has been investigated in the zone of mandatory resettlement and in the alienation zone of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP) under the influence of ionizing radiation. Gas chromatographic methods were used to determine potential nitrogenfixing (nitrogenase) activity, biochemical methods were applied to study the activity of hydrolytic enzymes (cellulase and protease) responsible for the decomposition of plant residues in the soil, as well as enzymes involved in oxidative-reductive reactions of organic matter transformation (catalase and polyphenoloxidases). Statistical analysis was also employed. The results of the conducted research indicate that a relatively low increase in the total dose rate in the radioactive contamination area (from 0.2 to 1.6 µGy/h) at Polygon No. 1 (the zone of mandatory resettlement near the village of Khrystynivka, Narodychi district, Zhytomyr region) stimulated potential nitrogenase activity of soil diazotrophs and the activity of both hydrolytic enzymes and oxidoreductases. High dose rates (up to 22.2, 61.6, and especially up to 84.0 mGy/h) at Polygon No. 2, located in the alienation zone of the CNPP directly in the area of the former Red Forest, led to a decrease in soil enzymatic activity. Thus, the obtained results unequivocally demonstrate the different nature of the impact of ionizing radiation levels on the biological activity of sod-podzolic soils. The more radioactive soil in the zone of mandatory resettlement stimulates the enzymatic activity of soil microbiota. This could be attributed to adaptive changes in the development and activity of microorganisms or changes in the composition of their communities, with a prevalence of radio-tolerant microbiota representatives. It is also possible that the manifestation of a radiobiological effect, such as radiation stimulation (radiation hormesis), accelerating the growth and development of microorganisms, may occur. In the alienation zone of the CNPP, with high radioactive contamination, the negative influence of ionizing radiation on the metabolism of soil microorganisms is preserved. The obtained results are highly correlated with the indicators of the abundance of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms in the investigated soils, as well as microorganisms representing the saccharolytic (fungi and cellulolytic bacteria) and peptolytic (ammonifiers) pathways of plant residue degradation, as previously demonstrated by us.
Influence of preparations on photosynthetic activity of brewing barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants and quality indicators of grain
Authors: Beznosko I. , Gorgan T. , Mosiychuk I. , Bilenka O.
Published: May 2024

Plant growth regulators and microfertilizers stimulate the accumulation of chlorophyll by plants, increase the photosynthetic activity of chloroplasts and the net productivity of photosynthesis, and contribute to increasing the resistance of crops to diseases and adverse environmental factors. The aim of the work was to study the effect of preparations on the photosynthetic activity the plants of spring barley varieties in order to achieve the proper quality of the grown products. In the research, barley plants of the spring brewing direction of the varieties Sebastian (Seyet Planteforedling I/S, Denmark) and Salomi (SAATEN Union, France) were used, which were treated with plant growth stimulator Vimpel 2, complex microfertilizer ORACUL multicomplex, a mixture of Vimpel 2 + ORACUL multi-complex and control area — water treatment. The article presents the results that show that the content of the sum of chlorophylls a and b in spring barley leaves under the influence of preparations Vimpel 2 and ORACUL multicomplex plays a major role in increasing the productivity of the crop. Accumulation of protein and starch in spring barley grains is one of the most important indicators for growing varieties of brewing value. In all variants of the study, the accumulation of protein in the grain turned out to be within acceptable limits for malting barley (8.75–10.02%), only in the control variant it remained too low. The use of preparations Vimpel 2 and ORACUL multicomplex in a mixture contributes to the accumulation of starch in spring barley grains of both studied varieties. At the same time, treatment with only growth promoter or only micro-fertilizer stimulates the accumulation of starch in the grain compared to the control, but remains at a low level for the brewing industry. The most active growth of the assimilation surface of spring barley plants in all phases of growth was observed after treatment with Vimpel 2 mixture in combination with ORACUL multicomplex. The conducted studies established a significant influence of microfertilizers and growth stimulants on the photosynthetic potential of spring barley crops. During the entire vegetation period of spring barley, the highest photosynthetic potential of crops (FPP) — 859.2 m2/ha×day was determined in the Sebastian variety with the addition of microfertilizer and growth stimulator. The high-quality work of the leaf apparatus of plants is determined by the net productivity of photosynthesis (NPP). The highest PPF index was observed on the Sebastian variety in the variant treated with a mixture of microfertilizer and growth stimulator, which is 27% higher than in the control variant. Therefore, spring barley grain of the required quality can be obtained only under the conditions of optimal combination of the use of preparations of different spectrum of action.
Feeding of lygaeid bugs (Heteroptera, Lygaeidae) on the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) in Kaniv Nature Reserve
Authors: Borysenko M. , Shevchyk V. , Solomakha I.
Published: May 2024

The paper presents data on the feeding of three species of bugs of the Lygaeidae family: Tropidothorax leucopterus (Goeze, 1778), Lygaeus equestris (Linnaeus, 1758) and L. simulans (Deckert, 1985) on common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.) in the conditions of Kaniv nature reserve, located in the forest-steppe zone in the central part of Ukraine. Common milkweed is a dangerous invasive species, a transformer of ecosystems, which poses a threat to local plant and animal communities. There is a problem in finding methods of limiting the spread of populations of this species. Among the factors that contribute to its limitation may be the consumption of common milkweed by animals, in particular by phytophagous insects. The study was conducted during the growing seasons of 2022 and 2023 on the grassland area overgrown with tree and shrub vegetation on the hills on the right bank of the Dnipro River. Tropidothorax leucopterus were feeding on sap from the vegetative body of common milkweed plants, being, for the most part, on the lower surface of the leaves. They formed dense groups, and the number of bugs on one plant could reach up to 100 individuals. Both the nymphs (from June to September) and the adults (from August to October) of this species were noted. During the study, it was also observed feeding of this species on the white swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medik.), which is a traditional food object for this insect. But only single individuals of these bugs were found on the white swallow-wort. The representatives of the other two species, Lygaeus equestris and L. simulans, fed on the content of the common milkweed seeds during the fruit opening period. Separate individuals or small groups (up to 20 individuals) were observed, adults and single nymphs were noted. The transition of native phytophagous species to feeding on the common milkweed can facilitate its inclusion in food chains in local ecosystems and limit the spread of this aggressive introduced plant species
Development and content validity of the DizzyQuest
Authors: Martin E. C. , de Joode L. E. G. H. , Lucieer F. , Sitters D. , Delespaul P. A. E. G. , Leue C. , van de Weijer S. C. F. , Meijers-Erdkamp A. , Grill E. , Zwergal A. , Guinand N. , Perez-Fornos A. , van Rompaey V. , Widdershoven J. , Kimman M. L. , van de Berg R.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Vestibular disorders have a high prevalence and impact on general health. Currently questionnaires to measure vestibular symptoms and the impact on daily life, do not capture disease-specific symptoms or induce recall bias. The DizzyQuest was introduced, to measure vestibular symptoms in the flow of daily life, using the ecological momentary assessment (EMA) strategy. The development and content validity of the DizzyQuest are described in this article.

Methods

The development process consisted of two stages: First, the development of a concept version of the DizzyQuest based on the conceptual model of positive health, semi-structured interviews with patients diagnosed with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) and expert input. Second, the assessment of content validity through a 4-week pilot trial, followed by focus group meetings with patients and professionals separately.

Results

Patient interviews, an expert meeting and a conceptual model resulted in the first pilot version of the DizzyQuest, which included a morning-, within-day-, evening- and attack-questionnaire. To report patient characteristics, complimentary patient- and doctor-questionnaires were added. The pilot trial (N = 5) and two patient focus group meetings resulted in multiple suggestions for response options. Two professional focus group meetings provided recommendations for sampling time and sampling schedule. As a result, two versions of the DizzyQuest were developed, consisting of a regular DizzyQuest (DQ) and an extended DizzyQuest-XL (DQ-XL).

Conclusion

The DizzyQuest enables the administration of multiple questionnaires during the flow of daily life, therefore increasing reliability and ecological validity. The DQ and DQ-XL, using a big data approach, has the potential to improve precision medicine.
Seismic evaluation of Site-City interaction effects between city blocks
Authors: Vicencio Felipe , Alexander Nicholas A.
Published: May 2024

In urban environments, buildings are often seismically designed with their standalone response, such as isolated structures devoid of surrounding structures. Nonetheless, there is always a chance that a significant seismic interaction between nearby buildings through the underlying soil will occur in big urban areas with high building densities. This paper evaluates the Site-City interaction (SCI) between different city block arrangements under seismic excitation given different parameters of the buildings and centre-to-centre interbuilding distances. A database of strong ground motion records with Far-Field, Near-Field Without Pulse and Near-Field Pulse-Like characteristics are employed. The results suggest that the SCI effects were strongly influenced by the building properties and resonance effects of the soil stratum. Furthermore, as a mean for all the earthquakes considered here, the SCI can amplify or reduce the seismic response of the buildings, depending on the relative position between the city blocks.
Association of HbA1C and comfort with diabetes self-management among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Onwukwe Obichi , Lundgrin Erika L.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are a vulnerable demographic at risk for sub-optimal glycemic outcomes at a time when they are taking over their diabetes management. The purposes of this study were to examine levels of self-reported comfort with diabetes management tasks among AYA living with T1D and to describe the relationships among comfort levels, sociodemographic factors, and HbA1c.

Methods

During a routine diabetes care visit, AYA aged 15–23 years old living with T1D received a transition survey to self-assess their comfort level with different diabetesmanagement tasks.

Results

Among 161 participants who completed the survey (median age 17 years, median diabetes duration 7 years, 82.3% White, 40.9% female, 66.5% with private insurance, and median HbA1c 8.8%), comfort with diabetes management tasks was generally rated highly (median overall comfort level of 4.5 out of 5), irrespective of race or insurance type. Regression analysis revealed that higher self-reported comfort level with diabetes management tasks was associated with a higher HbA1c (p = 0.006), after controlling for age, sex, race, insurance type, and diabetes duration.

Discussion

These findings suggest that self-reported comfort with independently managing T1D may not be a sufficient metric in assessing AYA patients’ need for further intervention to optimize glycemic outcomes as they transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care, and highlights the importance of continuity of care to support diabetes management during this transitional period.
Noncoding RNAs: the crucial role of programmed cell death in osteoporosis
Authors: Han Juanjuan , Zhu Yuqing , Zhang Jiale , Kapilevich Leonid , Zhang Xin-an
Published: May 2024

Osteoporosis is the most common skeletal disease characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption and bone remodeling. Osteoporosis can lead to bone loss and bone microstructural deterioration. This increases the risk of bone fragility and fracture, severely reducing patients’ mobility and quality of life. However, the specific molecular mechanisms involved in the development of osteoporosis remain unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that multiple noncoding RNAs show differential expression in the osteoporosis state. Meanwhile, noncoding RNAs have been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture. Noncoding RNAs are an important class of factors at the level of gene regulation and are mainly involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Programmed cell death is a genetically-regulated form of cell death involved in regulating the homeostasis of the internal environment. Noncoding RNA plays an important role in the programmed cell death process. The exploration of the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis has become an interesting area of research and has been shown to play a role in many diseases such as osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the mechanism of noncoding RNA-mediated programmed cell death on bone homeostasis imbalance leading to osteoporosis. And we provide a deeper understanding of the role played by the noncoding RNA-programmed cell death axis at the gene regulatory level of osteoporosis. We hope to provide a unique opportunity to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis.
Job creation and decarbonization synergies in Latin America: a simulation-based exploratory modeling analysis
Authors: Esteves Fernando , Molina-Perez Edmundo , Kalra Nidhi , Syme James , Vogt-Schilb Adrien
Published: May 2024

This study employs an Input–Output simulation model to assess the potential employment effects resulting from investments in 40 sector-specific decarbonization transformations across Latin America and the Caribbean. Using a Multi-region Input–Output framework (Eora26), our findings indicate that investments in energy production and buildings sectors offer promising job creation opportunities, averaging 5.5 total jobs per $1 million invested. Similarly, in the waste, industry and agriculture, forestry, and land use sectors demonstrate significant potential, yielding approximately 5 total jobs per $1 million. The analysis models investments as demand vectors, producing results for 17 countries in the region. These estimates endogenize the diverse economic structure and state of development of these countries. We argue that country-level analysis is needed to identify climate strategies that maximize job creation while achieving net-zero emissions.
Recruitment strategies for reaching adults aged 50 years and older with low socioeconomic status for participation in online physical activity interventions
Authors: Collombon Eline H. G. M. , Bolman Catherine A. W. , de Bruijn Gert-Jan , Peels Denise A. , Lechner Lilian
Published: May 2024

Background

Generally, the health condition of those with higher socioeconomic status (SES) is better compared to those with lower SES. The application of appropriate strategies to reach low SES populations with electronic health (eHealth) interventions is thus of major importance to reduce health inequalities. eHealth-studies providing detailed information on recruitment strategies are scarce, despite the fact that this information is crucial for comparable research and implementation.

Objective

To provide insight into the reach, sample characteristics and costs of three pre-planned strategies for recruiting adults aged 50 years and older with low SES for participation in an online physical activity intervention, as part of a field study.

Methods

Recruitment took place via (1) invitation letters via a municipality, (2) gyms and (3) social media advertisements, aiming to include 400 participants. Additional procedures were followed to reach specifically the low SES group. Response rates, sociodemographic characteristics and costs per strategy were assessed.

Results

The highest response was shown for the municipality approach (N = 281), followed by social media (N = 71) and gyms (N = 45). Ten participants were recruited via family/friends. The most low-educated participants were reached via the municipality (N = 128) followed by social media (N = 9), gyms (N = 8) and family/friends (N = 5). Recruitment costs were with €2,142.37 the highest for the municipality compared to €96.81 for social media and no costs for gyms.

Conclusions

Recruitment via invitation letters through a municipality has the highest potential for reaching low SES participants of the three applied strategies, although the higher recruitment costs need to be taken into account.
Exploring the digital divide: results of a survey informing mobile application development
Authors: Claudio Maira Corinne , Rehany Zachary , Stachtari Katerina , Guadagno Elena , Osmanlliu Esli , Poenaru Dan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Mobile health apps risk widening health disparities if they overlook digital inclusion. The digital divide, encompassing access, familiarity, and readiness, poses a significant barrier to medical interventions. Existing literature lacks exploration of the digital divide's contributing factors. Hence, data are needed to comprehend the challenges in developing inclusive health apps.

Methods

We created a survey to gauge internet and smartphone access, smartphone familiarity, and readiness for using mobile health apps among caregivers of pediatric patients in tertiary care. Open-ended questions solicited feedback and suggestions on mobile health applications. Responses were categorized by similarity and compared. Developed with patient partners, the survey underwent cognitive testing and piloting for accuracy.

Results

Data from 209 respondents showed that 23% were affected by the digital divide, mainly due to unfamiliarity with digital skills. Among 49 short text responses about health app concerns, 31 mentioned security and confidentiality, with 7 mentioning the impersonal nature of such apps. Desired features included messaging healthcare providers, scheduling, task reminders, and simplicity.

Conclusions

This study underscores a digital divide among caregivers of pediatric patients, with nearly a quarter affected primarily due to a lack of digital comfort. Respondents emphasized user-friendliness and online security for health apps. Future apps should prioritize digital inclusion by addressing the significant barriers and carefully considering patient and family concerns.
A review of the flow characteristics of shale oil and the microscopic mechanism of CO2 flooding by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Huang Xinmiao , Yu Xinjing , Li Xiao , Wei Haopei , Han Denglin , Lin Wei
Published: May 2024

Shale oil is stored in nanoscale shale reservoirs. To explore enhanced recovery, it is essential to characterize the flow of hydrocarbons in nanopores. Molecular dynamics simulation is required for high-precision and high-cost experiments related to nanoscale pores. This technology is crucial for studying the kinetic characteristics of substances at the micro- and nanoscale and has become an important research method in the field of micro-mechanism research of shale oil extraction. This paper presents the principles and methods of molecular dynamics simulation technology, summarizes common molecular models and applicable force fields for simulating shale oil flow and enhanced recovery studies, and analyzes relevant physical parameters characterizing the distribution and kinetic properties of shale oil in nanopores. The physical parameters analyzed include interaction energy, density distribution, radial distribution function, mean-square displacement, and diffusion coefficient. This text describes how molecular dynamics simulation explains the mechanism of oil driving in CO2 injection technology and the factors that influence it. It also summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of molecular dynamics simulation in CO2 injection for enhanced recovery of shale oil. Furthermore, it presents the development trend of molecular dynamics simulation in shale reservoirs. The aim is to provide theoretical support for the development of unconventional oil and gas.
Perspectives of teachers and students on the impact of online classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rattanawan Prathomchai , Pakdee Sirinthip
Published: May 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, transformation from face-to-face classrooms to online classrooms took place in higher education. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of teaching and learning of this change on students’ and teachers’ perspectives. The study also investigated the various impact factors that hindered online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 lockdown period. In total, 383 students and 83 teachers at Walailak University, Thailand, who had at least 3 months of experience with online learning and teaching were asked to complete questionnaires that asked about their perspectives with respect to their online classroom experience. The student questionnaire asked about the quality of teachers, quality of communication, the student’s work, student’s concentration, and satisfaction with the online classroom experience. The teacher questionnaire asked about the teacher’s perspective with respect to how the restrictions of online teaching affected teachers, students, and courses. The relations between students and teachers were analyzed by a chi-square test using the SPSS program version 25.0, with defined p-values as <0.05 and < 0.10 of student and teacher perspectives, respectively. Relations were found between student GPA and student work and student concentration in online classrooms. The teachers’ perspective with respect to online teaching was found to be related to the restrictions that online teaching placed on teachers, students, and course management. The results of the study show teachers’ awareness about restrictions that online teaching placed on teachers, students, and course management. Institutions should prioritize and practice using educational technologies at scale, install ICT infrastructure, and engage in lifelong learning.
Redefining those subtle borders: transhumanism, frontiers, retroprogression and hermeneutics at the crossroads of teaching
Authors: Francisco Carrera Francisco José
Published: May 2024

The field of education is undergoing significant transformations, which implies that valuable views from the past may be completely overlooked in the rapid progress we are experiencing. Transhumanism, as a prevailing ideology, appears to imply an advancement at an ever-increasing speed. An interesting prospect would be to reflect on transhumanism in relation to retroprogression and phronesis to understand how limitations operate within the realm of education. Interpretation, therefore, becomes one of the fundamental tools for educators in this highly complex environment. Their role as meta-interpreters can be founded in a return to hermeneutics as both an art and a science. By doing this, the past and future can be harmonized in the present, with the transhumanist principles maintaining the human element. In conclusion, education will continue to be an act of human understanding that necessitates complete attention and presence of educators, who are, therefore, able to offer meaningful actions by properly understanding the here and now and the uniqueness of every teaching situation.
Non-metastatic primary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast: a reference cancer center’s experience of a heterogenous entity
Authors: Püsküllüoğlu Mirosława , Grela-Wojewoda Aleksandra , Ambicka Aleksandra , Pacholczak-Madej Renata , Pietruszka Agnieszka , Mucha-Małecka Anna , Rudzińska Agnieszka , Ziobro Marek , Ryś Janusz , Mituś Jerzy W.
Published: May 2024

Background

Primary neuroendocrine neoplasms of the breast (Br-NENs) are rare. The classification has been updated in recent years making interpretation of the data published challenging. It is unclear whether neuroendocrine differentiation is associated with poorer prognosis and what treatment approaches should be applied.

Methods

The database for breast cancer patients treated between 2009 and 2022 at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Branch Krakow was explored to search for Br-NENs. Patients’ medical and pathological data were collected and analyzed.

Results

We included 22 females with Br-NEN without metastases at the time of diagnosis. The median age was 64 years (range: 28-88), Of the cases, 18 were hormone receptor positive, all were HER-2 negative, the median Ki67 was 27% (10-100%). The median tumor size at the time of diagnosis was 29.5mm (7-75mm), 9 patients were N-positive. DCIS was present in 5 cases. Only one case was negative for chromogranin and synaptophysin staining, but data were missing for 4 cases. Nine patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, mainly based on anthracyclines and taxanes, while 16 received adjuvant hormonal therapy and 15 received postoperative radiotherapy. Radical surgery was performed in all patients, but two underwent suboptimal tumorectomy. One patient had local recurrence, three experienced metastatic disease, all involving the lungs, but these patients are still alive. The median follow-up was 96 months (8–153). Two patients died, with a follow up time of no recurrence >4 years. Our results were compared to twelve case series collecting clinical data on Br-NENs, with median patient number of 10.5 (range: 3-142).

Conclusion

Br-NENs represent a heterogenous group of diseases, lacking data from prospective studies or clinical trials. There are no established treatment standards tailored for Br-NENs. Our patients’ cohort exhibited a favorable prognosis, potentially attributed to lower tumor stage and Ki67 index compared to other reported case series. We suggest that radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy be administered akin to standard treatment for breast cancer of no special type. ESMO also advocates for this approach in systemic treatment, although we recommend considering platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with poorly differentiated Br-NENs exhibiting high Ki67.
A digital hysteresis control method for three-level grid-tie inverter based on online prediction of sampling time without inductance
Authors: Shulin Cai , Daxi Li , Siyu Shao , Xinyu Yang , Qiang Zhang , Peiyuan Cheng
Published: May 2024

This article proposed a digital hysteresis control method for three-level grid-tie inverter based on online prediction of sampling time without inductance. The proposed method eliminated the effect on the control accuracy of the inductor changing with the current in the LCL filter of the grid-tie inverter, and reduced the equivalent sampling rate in digital hysteresis control by predicting and correcting the sample time. The simulations and experimental tests confirm the effectiveness of the proposed digital hysteresis control method.
Analysis of extreme precipitation variation characteristics in mountain grasslands of arid and semi-arid regions in China
Authors: Li Wei , Guan Jing , Wang Wenjun , Wu Yingjie , Zhao Yawen , Zhang Weijie , Wang Sinan , Chen Zexun
Published: May 2024

Introduction: With global warming, the disaster losses caused by extreme precipitation events are increasing. The poor natural conditions and climate change make the arid and semi-arid mountainous grassland area a sensitive region of climate change. The study on the spatio-temporal variation characteristics of extreme precipitation events in this region is helpful to improve the ability of climate prediction and disaster prevention and reduction in grassland.

Methods: Based on the daily precipitation data of four meteorological monitoring stations in the Yinshanbeilu from 1970 to 2020, the trend analysis, M-K test and wavelet analysis were used to select seven typical extreme precipitation indicators to analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of extreme precipitation.

Results and Discussion: The results showed that the precipitation in the Yinshanbeilu increased in the past 51a, and the number of heavy rain days increased significantly. The significance test of CDD and CWD showed that the number of continuous dry days and continuous wet days decreased abruptly. The spatial analysis showed that the high value areas of R95p, R95d and PRCRTOT were all located in Siziwang Banner, and it could be concluded that the extreme precipitation risk was the highest in Siziwang Banner, while the low value areas of SDII, Rx1day, R95p and PRCRTOT were all located in Sonid Right Banner, which could be inferred that the Sonid Right Banner was relatively dry. The first main cycle of the seven indexes of extreme precipitation almost runs through the whole time series, and the starting point of the minimum main cycle changes inconsistent. In addition to the number of consecutive dry days, the other indices have a good correlation with annual precipitation, flood season and monthly precipitation from June to September, and July is the peak period of extreme precipitation events.
A novel NTRK1 splice site variant causing congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis in a Chinese family
Authors: Sun Ling , Dai Jin , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Lijun , Ren Yaqiong , Wang Hongying
Published: May 2024

Background

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA, OMIM #256800), also known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type Ⅳ (HSAN-IV), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by recurrent episodic fevers, anhidrosis, insensitivity to noxious stimuli, self-mutilating behavior and intellectual disability. CIPA can be caused by the variants in NTRK1 gene, which encodes a high-affinity tyrosine kinase receptor for nerve growth factor. To ascertain the hereditary cause of a patient with CIPA accompanied by the additional symptoms of mild growth retardation, prone to fracture, underdeveloped nails of fingers and toes, irregular tooth alignment, enamel hypoplasia, postoperative wound healing difficulty, hand and limb deformity, and dislocation of hip joint, whole exome sequencing was used and revealed a compound heterozygous variant in NTRK1.

Methods

DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of pediatric patients and their parents, and subjected to comprehensive analysis using whole-exome sequencing (WES), followed by verification of variant sites in the NTRK1 gene through Sanger sequencing. To elucidate the functional impact of the newly discovered variants, an in vitro experimental system was established. Splicing analysis was conducted using PCR and Sanger sequencing, while expression levels were assessed through qPCR and Western blot techniques.

Results

One hotspot variant c.851-33T>A(ClinVar ID: 21308) and a novel variant c.850 + 5G>A(ClinVar ID:3069176) was inherited from her father and mother, respectively, identified in the affected individuals. The c.850 + 5G>A variant in NTRK1 resulted in two forms of aberrant mRNA splicing: 13bp deletion (c.838_850del13, p. Val280Ser fs180) and 25bp deletion (826_850del25, p. Val276Ser fs180) in exon 7, both leading to a translational termination at a premature stop codon and forming a C-terminal truncated protein. The expression of two abnormal splicing isoforms was decreased both in the level of mRNA and protein.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study elucidated the genetic cause of a patient with CIPA and identified a novel variant c.850 + 5G>A in NTRK1, which broadened the and enriched the NTRK1 mutation spectrum.