bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Realizing linear-polarization-decoupled quasi-perfect absorption through mirror-symmetric QR-code metasurfaces
Authors: Luo Yu , Zhang Baifu , Yuan Ying , Cao Xiaoyang , Li Shangchen , Xu Ji , Ding Jianping
Published: October 2024

Metamaterial absorbers (MAs) with irregular structures facilitate the attainment of unique absorption properties, leveraging the extensive geometric freedom. However, a challenge arises from the fact that polarization-dependent spectra do not coincide with cross-polarization. In this study, we introduce a MA featuring a mirror-symmetric quick response (QR)-code structure to achieve linear-polarization-decoupled absorption characteristics. We employ a direct binary search algorithm to reverse design the MA structure by specifying absorptivity for eigen-polarization states. Moreover, the absorptivity for arbitrary polarizations can be predicted through linear superposition of the two eigen-polarization states, opening up avenues for investigating polarization-controlled metasurfaces and metamaterials.
Theory and application of temporal coupling mode for a SiC/CaF2/Ag cell-based grating
Authors: Wang Cunhai , Yin Zhao , Liu Jingchong
Published: October 2024

Tailoring spectral thermal radiation properties via multiple resonances excited by micro/nanoscale-patterned structures plays a vital role in designing functional emitters and devices. However, predicting thermal radiation properties of a structure with multiple resonances—via a fast and accurate algorithm—is still challenging because of the complex mode coupling effects of different resonances. Herein, we establish a temporal coupling mode (TCM) model for a SiC/CaF2/Ag cell-based grating by extracting the intrinsic parameters and coupling constants of the resonances. The accuracy and efficiency of the established TCM model for predicting absorption spectra of SiC/CaF2/Ag gratings with multiple resonances in each unit cell is verified. Results indicate that the narrowband absorption of the SiC/CaF2/Ag cell-based grating can be enhanced via the multiple-resonance coupling effects. This work provides an alternative tool for predicting absorption characteristics of complex structures with multiple-resonance coupling effects.
Programmed Diffraction for Intelligent Imaging and Sensing
Authors: Li Yuhang , Sadman Sakib Rahman Md , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: October 2024

Advances in artificial intelligence have opened a powerful approach: compact optical networks of diffractive surfaces that can rapidly achieve specific tasks via direct, energy-efficient processing of light.
But can it drive to Lapland? A comparison of electric vehicle owners with the general population for identification of attitudes, concerns and barriers related to electric vehicle adoption in Finland
Authors: Sandman Nils , Sahari Elisa , Koponen Aki
Published: October 2024

Transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions with private car use accounting for a large proportion of those emissions. Battery powered electric vehicles (EV) are a currently available technology that has the potential to significantly reduce emissions from car use. Therefore, promoting a shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs should be supported by policy makers aiming to curtail emissions from car use. To design policies and interventions to promote EV adoption, information is needed on how people perceive electric vehicles and what are the real and perceived barriers preventing their adoption. With this objective in mind, it was investigated what the current EV owners in Finland are like and how they compare with the general population. We also endeavored to identify real as well as potentially misperceived barriers to EV adoption and factors affecting EV purchasing intentions. The study utilizes a sample of 3857 participants, including 141 electric car owners, who answered a questionnaire investigating lifestyle, car use, environmental and political attitudes as well as household carbon footprint and attitudes towards EVs. EV owners in Finland have more financial security, own more cars, drive more, and have a larger average household carbon footprint than the general population. There are two distinct subgroups among electric car owners, one group being interested in environmental impact of their car use and the other focused on the performance of their cars. People without experience of EVs generally have negative attitudes towards electric cars and also maintain some misconceptions about EVs. Personal experience with electric vehicles is associated with a positive outlook on these types of vehicles and is the strongest predictor of EV purchasing intentions.
Assessing generalizability of an AI-based visual test for cervical cancer screening
Authors: Ahmed Syed Rakin , Egemen Didem , Befano Brian , Rodriguez Ana Cecilia , Jeronimo Jose , Desai Kanan , Teran Carolina , Alfaro Karla , Fokom-Domgue Joel , Charoenkwan Kittipat , Mungo Chemtai , Luckett Rebecca , Saidu Rakiya , Raiol Taina , Ribeiro Ana , Gage Julia C. , de Sanjose Silvia , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Schiffman Mark
Published: October 2024

A number of challenges hinder artificial intelligence (AI) models from effective clinical translation. Foremost among these challenges is the lack of generalizability, which is defined as the ability of a model to perform well on datasets that have different characteristics from the training data. We recently investigated the development of an AI pipeline on digital images of the cervix, utilizing a multi-heterogeneous dataset of 9,462 women (17,013 images) and a multi-stage model selection and optimization approach, to generate a diagnostic classifier able to classify images of the cervix into “normal”, “indeterminate” and “precancer/cancer” (denoted as “precancer+”) categories. In this work, we investigate the performance of this multiclass classifier on external data not utilized in training and internal validation, to assess the generalizability of the classifier when moving to new settings. We assessed both the classification performance and repeatability of our classifier model across the two axes of heterogeneity present in our dataset: image capture device and geography, utilizing both out-of-the-box inference and retraining with external data. Our results demonstrate that device-level heterogeneity affects our model performance more than geography-level heterogeneity. Classification performance of our model is strong on images from a new geography without retraining, while incremental retraining with inclusion of images from a new device progressively improves classification performance on that device up to a point of saturation. Repeatability of our model is relatively unaffected by data heterogeneity and remains strong throughout. Our work supports the need for optimized retraining approaches that address data heterogeneity (e.g., when moving to a new device) to facilitate effective use of AI models in new settings.
Preventive interventions for diabetic foot ulcer adopted in different healthcare settings: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Leal de Araújo Açucena , Negreiros Francisca Diana da Silva , Florêncio Raquel Sampaio , Garces Thiago dos Santos , Cestari Virna Ribeiro Feitosa , Mattos Samuel Miranda , Marques Samara Jesus Sena , Albuquerque Francisca Eridan Fonteles , Araújo Wánderson Cássio Oliveira , Poveda Vanessa de Brito , Moreira Thereza Maria Magalhães
Published: October 2024

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers are challenging to heal, increase the risk of lower extremity amputation, and place a significant burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Prioritizing preventive interventions holds the promise of reducing patient suffering, lowering costs, and improving quality of life. This study describes a scoping review protocol that will be used to delineate the preventive interventions for diabetic foot ulcers employed in different healthcare settings.

Methods

The scoping review methodology was formulated in accordance with the PRISMA extension guidelines for scoping reviews and informed by the procedural insights provided by the JBI methodology group. Studies with participants diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, aged 18 years or older, without an active ulcer at baseline, and studies of preventive interventions for foot ulcers in various healthcare settings will be screened. The search strategy was developed in collaboration with a research librarian using the PRESS checklist and no time or language limitations were applied. Data will be analyzed and summarized descriptively, including characteristics of studies, participants, and interventions.

Discussion

Understanding the strategies and gaps in diabetic foot ulcer prevention is critical. The literature can provide valuable insights for developing tailored interventions and strategies to effectively address these gaps, potentially accelerating progress toward improved outcomes in diabetic foot ulcer prevention.

Review registration

Open Science Framework DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/FRZ97 [June 19, 2023]
Heterogeneity in happiness: A latent profile analysis of single emerging adults
Authors: Walsh Lisa C. , Horton Calen , Kaufman Reed , Rodriguez Anthony , Kaufman Victor A.
Published: October 2024

Whether attending college, entering the workforce, or finding a romantic partner, single emerging adults navigate a pivotal stage of their lives. The present cross-sectional study sought to examine the heterogeneity in happiness of single emerging adults (N = 1,073) with a person-centered, group-differential approach. Using five predictors of life satisfaction (friendship satisfaction, family satisfaction, self-esteem, neuroticism, and extraversion) as indicators in latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified five distinct profiles (or groups) of young singles. The profiles, ordered from favorable to unfavorable indicator patterns, presented diverse shape and level differences that corresponded to varying happiness levels. Singles in Profile 1 with the most favorable indicator patterns (e.g., high friendship satisfaction, low neuroticism) were the happiest, while those in Profile 5 with the least favorable indicator patterns (e.g., low friendship satisfaction, high neuroticism) were the unhappiest. In the middle profiles, singles often offset disadvantages in one area (e.g., high neuroticism) with advantages in others (e.g., high friendship satisfaction) to achieve average to somewhat high levels of happiness. Importantly, friendship satisfaction emerged as a vital indicator, often distinguishing which singles were happy or not. Covariate analyses further validated the profiles and revealed additional profile differences (e.g., gender, anxiety, depression). Overall, our findings underscore the essential role of satisfying friendships in promoting the well-being of single emerging adults.
Dollars and Sense; Reviewing Industry Implementation of the Climate-Related Disclosures Mandate in New Zealand
Authors: Hazelhurst Tess , Footer Jeff , Norris Daniel
Published: October 2024

The global commitment to sustainable development has catalysed the climate policy environment and its multiverse of non-financial reporting frameworks. One such framework, the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) is dependent on assumptions that organisations view risk management the same way as the framework’s intent; prioritising the decarbonisation pathway. The purpose of non-financial reporting is to challenge existing business-as-usual values of profit-seeking without regard for the environment. This study employs a systems-based methodology (Critical Systems Heuristics) to uncover the issues that arise as a result of organisations implementing the TCFD, as demonstrated by their risk management process. The key findings of this study show that organisations are primarily motivated by financial growth, which directly competes with the intentions of the TCFD. Mandating the TCFD fails to address the tensions between business-as-usual business models and the regulatory intent towards decarbonisation. The findings raise concerns about the TCFD’s potential effectiveness; unchanged risk management processes risk a continuation of existent best practices leading to status quo outcomes.
 
 Keywords: Non-financial reporting, sustainable development, systems thinking, climate risk, risk management, critical systems heuristics
Assessing the impact of Land Use/Land Cover Change on Land Surface Temperatures and SUHI: Case of Pune, India
Authors: Joshi Sakshi , Suneja Manavvi
Published: October 2024

The emergence of urban heat islands and rising land surface temperatures in developing countries like India is becoming a crucial concern for urban planners and policymakers. This study attempts to assess the impact of Land use and land cover (LULC) change on the Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Surface Urban Heat Islands (SUHI) in Pune, India, using remote sensing and Geographic information systems (GIS). A spatiotemporal analysis of the Landsat satellite imagery from 2000 – 2023 has been used to trace the LULC trends and compute LST variations across the years in land cover types.  The thermal band, 10 of the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS), is used for computing LST. Spatial indicators such as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized differentiated built index (NDBI) are also calculated.  Results indicate that there has been a 30% decline in vegetation across the city over the years, alongside an increase of 16.64°C in LST due to urbanization-induced LULC changes. Furthermore, this study attempts to identify the thermal hotspots in the city. The results of this study can enable the assessment of urbanization and the formulation of informed climate-sensitive urban planning strategies.
 
Keywords: Land Surface Temperature, Pune, Remote Sensing, GIS, Local Climate Zone, SUHI
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Socio-Economic Development
Authors: Meņšikovs Vladimirs , Simakhova Anastasiia , Šipilova Viktorija
Published: October 2024

When covering issues on sustainable socioeconomic development such terms as ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) and ‘social economy’ appear more and more often. At the same time, these terms are rarely used together within the same study. This article contributes to the gap filling through theoretical overview of social economy development in the context of economic and social effects of AI. For the purpose, the authors summarize theoretical insights on social and economic effects of AI; elaborate characteristics on how AI changes sociality; characterize development of social economy in the light of AI; provide examples of social innovations and AI in practice. Monographic method, methods of logical analysis and synthesis, and meta-analysis were applied. Social and economic effects that appear as a result of widespread application of AI and changes in sociality are accompanied with highly differentiated readiness to AI across countries. Given the changes above and expectations devoted to AI effects on economy, social economy may benefit from AI, particularly, through social innovations, and may reduce negative effects of AI, particularly, on overall wellbeing. For the mentioned benefits, changes in sociality that appear due to AI application have to be accompanied with timely adjustments in skills and competences. The research concludes that AI may intensify social economy development through its ability to support vulnerable groups, environmental protection and application of the newest technological solutions. In this way, AI in social economy not only contributes to efficiency and innovation in industry and the economy, but also plays a key role in promoting sustainability, social responsibility and inclusion. 
Keywords: Social economy, Artificial intelligence, Social and economic effects, Sociality, Sustainable Socioeconomic Development
A New Technology-Based Tool for Building Profitable Biodiversity-Conserving Offerings
Authors: C. Haas Timothy
Published: October 2024

Biodiversity conservation is an essential but too-frequently overlooked dimension of environmental sustainability. Most endangered species live in developing countries. In these countries, sustainable development projects need to leverage efforts to protect biodiversity rather than being at cross-purposes with them. To these ends, this article describes a business plan that has a firm market a biodiversity offering that is profitable and supports a biodiversity project. This project, in-turn, enhances biodiversity. Customers are kept abreast of the project’s biodiversity impacts by viewing an online biodiversity dashboard. This dashboard graphically portrays data on the project and the abundance of the targeted species. Remote sensing and other Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are used to pipe this data to the dashboard. For purposes of illustration, this plan is hypothetically applied to preserving the South African rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). A set of agent submodels dynamically portrays firms in a business network that employs would-be rhino poachers. A general purpose tool for constructing these interacting submodels is detailed.
 
Keywords: biodiversity, sustainable business ventures, political-ecological systems, agent models, rhinoceros poaching, dashboards
Inflation in Romania: Causes, Effects, and Targeting Strategies
Authors: Razvan DOBREA Catalin , Catalin CRETU Romeo , Catalin MANESCU Octavian , MONCEA Madalina
Published: October 2024

Inflation is based on numerous partial causes, from the correlation of which the inflationary process results. elected, it will be shown what losses the company will suffer because it fired a person without notice, especially when he was on vacation. In this paper, we will follow the fact that inflation has a fixed increase, this being indexed and calculated at the level of Romania, by the National Institute of Statistics, to calculate the salary and commission due for the injured employee. In specialized literature, inflation is expressed in monetary terms by the fact that the prices of services and goods increase, and the purchasing power of a mounting unit decreases.
 
 
Keywords: demand, cost, finance, inflation, Romania
Agenda 2030 na UnB
Authors: Araujo Carolina Lopes , Paixão Taliane de Sena , Castro João Vitor Teles de
Published: October 2024

A EMBRAGEA é a empresa júnior do curso de Gestão Ambiental da Universidade de Brasília (UnB), também registrada como um projeto de extensão universitária. Essa empresa oferece um amplo portifólio de serviços realizados sob a forma de projetos de intervenção em questões ambientais. Neste trabalho, são apresentadas as contribuições específicas para os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) dos projetos que foram desenvolvidos pela EMBRAGEA no período entre 2018 e 2023. Para tanto, foi realizada uma análise qualitativa, de natureza interpretativa, acerca da base documental constituída pelas propostas comerciais e pelos relatórios de execução apresentados pela EMBRAGEA a seus clientes. Observou-se que os projetos desenvolvidos pela EMBRAGEA, por sua natureza e por seus conteúdos, representam contribuição expressiva para o compromisso da Universidade de Brasília com a Agenda 2030.
“Futuros da Baía de Guanabara”
Authors: Ruta Christine , Contins Mariana , Rodrigues Bruna Mariano , Paula Meriane dos Santos
Published: October 2024

As Universidades desempenham um importante papel no avanço dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS), tanto na geração de conhecimento e inovação quanto na divulgação, elementos essenciais para promover políticas e práticas sustentáveis. O presente trabalho examina o evento expositivo “Futuros da Baía de Guanabara: inovação e democracia climática”, realizado entre 21 de março e 14 de maio de 2023. O evento, de caráter imersivo e interativo, discutiu a importância da Baía de Guanabara e analisou os impactos das mudanças climáticas nesse ecossistema, tanto no presente quanto no futuro. Além disso, propôs uma discussão sobre soluções baseadas na pesquisa e na tecnologia desenvolvidas na UFRJ e em outras instituições públicas brasileiras. Durante o evento, o público visitou o espaço expositivo e participou de 70 atividades paralelas. O evento atraiu cerca de cinco mil visitantes, promovendo a formação cidadã dos participantes e incentivando reflexões acerca da construção de um futuro mais sustentável, democrático e inclusivo.
Book Review: Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding the Role of Religious Leadership Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Review Essay
Authors: Fithriya Dwi Nur Laela
Published: October 2024

The book Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding by Stipe Odak examines the role of religion in conflicts and peacebuilding efforts, focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina. This book emerges amidst the rise of religiously motivated violence, such as the events of 2014, and addresses a critical question: Can religion be part of the solution when it is often perceived as part of the problem? In terms of substance, Odak explores how religious leaders can either exacerbate or mitigate conflicts and how they serve as agents of change in the peace process. The book is based on interviews with religious leaders and in-depth case studies, discussing strategies for interfaith dialogue and faith-based peace initiatives. Odak highlights two contrasting realities: violence fueled by religious beliefs and the substantial efforts by religious individuals and institutions to foster peace. Criticism of the book centers on its narrow geographic focus, which may lead readers to feel that its findings are confined to the Balkan context. Additionally, the book lacks a deeper critical analysis of the potential biases of religious leaders in their approaches. Nevertheless, it makes a significant contribution to the literature on religion, conflict, and peacebuilding, particularly for those interested in the dynamics of religion-based conflicts.
Buku Religion, Conflict, and Peacebuilding karya Stipe Odak mengkaji peran agama dalam konflik dan upaya perdamaian, dengan fokus pada Bosnia dan Herzegovina. Buku ini muncul di tengah meningkatnya kekerasan bermotif agama, seperti yang terjadi pada tahun 2014, dan menyoroti pertanyaan penting: Dapatkah agama menjadi bagian dari solusi ketika sering kali dianggap sebagai penyebab masalah? Secara substansi, Odak mengeksplorasi bagaimana pemimpin agama dapat memperburuk atau mengurangi konflik dan bagaimana mereka berperan sebagai agen perubahan dalam proses perdamaian. Buku ini didasarkan pada wawancara dengan pemimpin agama dan studi kasus yang mendalam, serta membahas strategi dialog antar iman dan inisiatif perdamaian berbasis agama. Odak menunjukkan dua realitas yang bertentangan: kekerasan yang didorong oleh keyakinan agama dan upaya besar dari individu dan lembaga agama dalam membangun perdamaian. Kritik terhadap buku ini berfokus pada pendekatannya yang sempit secara geografis, sehingga pembaca mungkin merasa bahwa temuan buku ini terbatas untuk konteks Balkan saja. Selain itu, analisis kritis terhadap bias yang mungkin dimiliki oleh para pemimpin agama dalam pendekatan mereka belum digali secara mendalam. Meskipun demikian, buku ini memberikan kontribusi yang signifikan dalam literatur tentang agama, konflik, dan resolusi perdamaian, terutama bagi mereka yang tertarik pada dinamika konflik berbasis agama.
Sektor-übergreifender klinischer Pfad für Menschen mit schweren neurologischen Erkrankungen – die Sicht der Expert*innen Eine qualitative Untersuchung
Authors: Reichl S. , Pletz R. , Bartsch-de Jong A. , Vallejo N. , Groß T. , Platz T.
Published: October 2024

Im Projekt OptiNIV [3] erfolgt eine klinische Begleitung und ambulante Mitbetreuung neurologisch schwerst betroffener Patienten mit außerklinischem Intensivpflegebedarf (AIP) durch Fachnachsorgeteams (AFNT) der neurologischen Frührehabilitationseinrichtungen. Für diese Nachsorgetätigkeit wurde ein Leitlinien- und Evidenz-basierter klinischer Pfad (KP) entwickelt. Dieser bildet medizinisch sinnvolle und notwendige Inhalte wie die festgestellten klinischen Defizite, Behandlungsziele und -Empfehlungen ab, die individuell erfasst, abgestimmt, dokumentiert und kommuniziert werden. Dabei wird besonderes Augenmerk auf die multiprofessionelle interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit gelegt. Ziel war die Förderung und Unterstützung der transsektoralen Teamarbeit der Fachnachsorgeteams mit neurologischer Spezialisierung mit den ambulanten pflegerischen und therapeutischen Professionen sowie Ärzt*innen. Damit sollte auch ein »Continuum of Care« dieser Patientengruppe qualitativ definiert und in der Umsetzung erprobt werden. Mit den AFNT-Mitgliedern wurden Interviews zu den Praxiserfahrungen aus dieser Erprobungsphase geführt, deren Ergebnisse Einblicke in die derzeitige Versorgungssituation und die Möglichkeit transsektoraler Zusammenarbeit gewähren. Keywords: »Continuum of Care«, klinischer Pfad, transsektoral, interdisziplinär
THE EFFECT OF FOOD PRICE VOLATILITY (FPV) ON INFLATION IN PAREPARE CITY
Authors: Tenriawaru Andi Nixia , Amir Ayu Anisa , Syam Siti Hardiyanti
Published: October 2024

Food price volatility often occurs and cannot be avoided, including food price volatility that occurs in Parepare City. The effect of movement or changes in food prices appears to influence inflation, which in turn becomes the purpose of this study, namely to analyze the effect of changes in food prices on inflation in Parepare City. The analysis method used is multiple linear regression analysis. The data used is secondary data in the form of monthly time series from July 2018 to June 2021. The independent variables in this study are the food prices of rice, chicken meat, red chili, chicken eggs and granulated sugar. The results showed that the food prices of rice and chicken eggs have an increasing trend while the prices of chicken meat, red chili, and granulated sugar tend to decrease. The coefficient of determination test results shows that changes in food prices simultaneously positively and significantly affect inflation. The t-statistical test shows that partially changes in food prices of rice and chicken meat have a positive and significant effect on inflation while changes in food prices of red chili, chicken eggs and granulated sugar have a positive but insignificant effect on inflation. This research has implications for public policy to develop food prices stabilization policies, such as food reserve policies, market regulations, incentives for food producers, or social assistance programs to alleviate the impact of food inflation.
SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS OF RICE MARKETING ACTORS IN DUMAI CITY IN SUPPORTING URBAN FOOD SECURITY
Authors: Septya Fanny , Andriani Yulia , Pebrian Sispa , Yulida Roza , Rosnita Rosnita
Published: October 2024

Dumai City is a significant economic hub in Riau Province and a vital location for food distribution. Although it's an urban area, there is still a small amount of rice produced in Dumai City. However, most of the rice supply comes from various suppliers outside the region to meet the high demand. Due to this diverse supply chain, this study aims to analyze the structure, mechanisms, and performance of the marketing in the premium rice supply chain at each level of the marketing institution. This research was conducted using a survey method among marketing actors at each level of marketing institutions selected purposively. To analyze the structure and mechanism of the rice supply chain, qualitative analysis is used. Quantitative analysis is used to analyze marketing performance in the rice supply chain. The research method used was a survey of rice marketing institutions in Dumai City, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. The results show that three marketing institutions are involved in marketing rice in Dumai City, each with a unique supply chain. Upon analyzing the marketing performance of the premium rice supply chain, it was found that all marketing channels utilized by wholesalers and retailers are efficient. Among these channels, channel 3, supplier-wholesaler-end consumer, has the smallest margin value, while channel 2, out-of-town distributor-traditional retailer-end consumer, has the highest profit-cost ratio value of 125.67. This marketing channel offers the lowest price for premium rice at the end consumer level, thereby ensuring greater access to food for the community and promoting urban food resilience. Among these channels, channel 2 of retailers that were out-of-town distributor-traditional retailer-end consumers had the best marketing efficiency value (0,09%) and the highest profit-cost ratio value of 125.67. Based on the results of this research, it is a challenge for the development of local rice agro-industry in creating efficient marketing performance to strengthen regional food security.
Overcoming methicillin resistance by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Computational evaluation of napthyridine and oxadiazoles compounds for potential dual inhibition of PBP-2a and FemA proteins
Authors: Bourhia Mohammed , Shahab Muhammad , Zheng Guojun , Taibi Mohamed , Elbouzidi Amine , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Dauelbait Musaab , Asehraou Abdeslam
Published: October 2024

The treatment of the various infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus has become challenging due to the evolving resistance against current therapeutics. In this study, the potentials of napthyridine and oxadiazole derivatives to serve as dual inhibitors of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP-2a) and FemA protein, which are crucial to resistance to methicillin-based drugs by S. aureus, were evaluated using molecular modeling techniques. Seventy-two compounds were subjected to molecular docking against the proteins, and the hit compounds were subjected to drug-likeness evaluation and in silico pharmacokinetics prediction. The compounds with good safety profiles were subjected to a 250-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and other relevant analyses based on the MD trajectories. Five hit compounds were selected based on their high affinity for the targets as evidenced by their docking scores ranging from −8.6 to −10.1 kcal/mol for PBP-2a and −9.6 to −9.9 kcal/mol for FemA. These compounds also passed Lipinski’s rule of five evaluation with no violation and possessed high human intestinal absorption potential, showcasing their potential as orally administered therapeutic agents. However, three of the compounds were potential mutagens. MD simulation revealed that the final two compounds maintained stable interactions with the target proteins over 250 ns, with minimal deviations and fluctuations. Hydrogen bond stability and energy decomposition analysis further confirmed the strong binding affinity of the hit compounds compared to the control drug, methicillin. Conclusively, the compounds with the CID “135964525” and “44130718” are worthy of further experimental validation in the development of potential inhibitors of PBP-2a and FemA.
Exploring novel antitubercular agents: Innovative design of 2,3-diaryl-quinoxalines targeting DprE1 for effective tuberculosis treatment
Authors: Sharma Kirti , Sharma Atul , Sanduja Mohit , Jogpal Vikas , Mishra Asim Kumar , Kumar Girish , Virmani Tarun , Noman Omar M. , Alhalmi Abdulsalam
Published: October 2024

The rising instances of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains pose a significant global health challenge. Conventional tuberculosis (TB) treatments, which typically involve multiple antibiotics, face hurdles like drug resistance, reduced effectiveness, and heightened toxicity. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative anti-TB agents with new modes of action. Decaprenyl-phosphoryl-β-d-ribose 2′-epimerase 1(DprE1), a crucial enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, plays a vital role in cell wall biosynthesis – a critical aspect for the bacterium’s survival. Building on the success of diarylquinolines like bedaquiline, targeting DprE1 presents a promising avenue for developing anti-TB drugs, especially against drug-resistant strains. Our research focused on discovering novel DprE1 inhibitors using a ligand-based drug design strategy, starting with the established non-covalent inhibitor Ty38c. We assembled a library of 16 molecules, modifying them based on factors like drug-like properties, chemical accessibility, and synthetic feasibility. Molecular docking analyses of this library identified three molecules with binding affinities comparable to Ty38c. Among these, KS_QD_05 and KS_QD_04 are promising candidates, which were further validated through molecular dynamics simulation studies where root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values of all three complexes reached a plateau, measuring around 0.3 nm, indicating that the apoprotein and all complexes stabilized during the simulation. The ligands KS_QD_04 and KS_QD_05 displayed significantly stable deviation. KS_QD_05 reached about 0.1 nm equilibrium value. However, the ligand KS_QD_04 reached an RMSD value of 0.17 nm and showed distress at 70 nm. KS_QD_04 and KS_QD_05 showed an average value of 1-3 H-bond interaction and regarding the RMSF values, both the compounds showed fluctuations less than 0.5 nm in the case of Mtb. DprE1 enzyme. This indicates the potential of both compounds to become lead compounds in the pursuit of DprE1 inhibitors for TB treatment.
Höfliche Ausdrucksweisen in der interkulturellen Kommunikation: Eine Analyse von chinesischen Studierenden in Deutschland
Authors: Gu Wenjing
Published: October 2024

Im Zeitalter der Globalisierung stellen chinesische Studierende einen signifikanten Anteil der ausländischen Studierenden in Deutschland dar. Dies ermöglicht ihnen, eine vielfältige Fremdkultur zu erleben und über unterschiedliche Ausdrucks- und Denkweisen auseinanderzusetzen. Höflichkeit wird als ein universelles soziales Phänomen in der interkulturellen Kommunikation betrachtet, wobei die Höflichkeitsprinzipien einen bedeutenden Aspekt des täglichen Lebens darstellen. In dieser Arbeit werden die präferierten Höflichkeitsausdrücke von chinesischen Studierenden in Deutschland mittels teilstandardisierter Fragebögen untersucht. Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass chinesische Studierende bei der Anrede die Sie-Form bevorzugen, unterschiedliche Grußformen je nach sozialem Status anwenden und in Ablehnung sowie Kritik eher indirekte Ablehnungs- oder Nicht-Kritik-Strategien wählen. Im Gegensatz dazu äußern sie ihre Bitten direkt. Kulturelle Unterschiede prägen die Höflichkeitsprinzipien, wobei gegenseitiger Respekt und Verständnis für Differenzen entscheidend sind, um eine erfolgreiche interkulturelle Kommunikation zu gewährleisten.
Mechanical and tribological assessment of PEEK and PEEK based polymer composites for artificial hip joints
Authors: Sathishkumar Sankar , Paulraj Jawahar , Chakraborti Prasun , Chandradass Jeyaseelan , Ghosh Subrata Kumar
Published: October 2024

Human hip failure remains a significant issue, and constructing artificial joints is imperative for affected individuals. This study examined the mechanical and wear behavior of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polymers, including bare PEEK (BP), HA (Hydroxyapatite)-infused PEEK (HA-PEEK), and GO (Graphene oxide)-infused HA-PEEK (GO-HA-PEEK). The samples were prepared using compression molding, and wear characteristics were evaluated using a linear reciprocating tribo-tester against a stainless-steel counterface under a load 50 N, frequency 5 Hz, stroke length 20 mm, and time 30 min. The 10 % w/w HA inclusions slightly elevate the PEEK’s tensile strength from 29.85 ± 1.11 MPa (BP) to 34.23 ± 1.09 MPa, and the 0.5 % w/w GO with 10 % w/w HA encapsulations have significantly improved tensile properties (65.10 ± 1.12 MPa), which is 2.2 fold higher than the BP. However, the attained impact properties fall below the satisfactory level. Coefficient of friction and wear rate are significantly reduced. The wear rate reduced from 3.39 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 (BP) to 2.54 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 on HA-PEEK, and more than two times reduction (1.69 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1) with 0.5 % w/w GO incorporating HA-PEEK. The results show that the reinforcements significantly reduced wear and improved the mechanical strength of PEEK polymers. Unlike BP and HA with lowered impact resistance, GO integrated HA-PEEK exhibited outstanding mechanical and wear performance. Therefore, HA and GO-infused PEEKs are suitable alternatives for hip repair applications.
Communication and empathy within the patient-physician relationship among patients with and without chronic pain
Authors: Licciardone John C. , Middleton Claire N. , Aboutaj Amin , Allouche Tal , Siddiqui Imran
Published: October 2024

Context

Chronic pain may affect the relationship between patients and their treating physicians.

Objectives

This study was designed to compare four aspects of physician communication and physician empathy reported by patients with chronic pain and in chronic pain-free controls.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted within a national pain research registry from July 2020 through January 2024. Patients with chronic low back pain of greater than 3 months duration were matched to chronic pain-free controls utilizing propensity scores derived from a logistic regression model based on 11 variables that included sociodemographic characteristics, cigarette smoking status, history of comorbid medical conditions, and duration of the current patient-physician relationship. Patients reported on the primary outcomes of physician communication utilizing the Communication Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) and physician empathy utilizing the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure. Group means were compared for each aspect of physician communication (patient participation and patient orientation, effective and open communication, emotionally supportive communication, and communication about personal circumstances) and physician empathy, and Cohen’s d statistic was utilized to assess the clinical relevance of between-group differences. Secondary exploratory analyses were also performed to compare patients treated by osteopathic physicians vs. allopathic physicians and to determine whether study group X physician type interaction effects were present.

Results

The 387 patients in each study group were matched within a caliper width of 0.001 on the propensity score. Overall, patients ranged from 21 to 79 years of age (mean, 50.7 years; standard deviation [SD], 15.1 years), and 617 (79.7 %) of them were female. Patients in the chronic pain group reported poorer scores for all aspects of physician communication and physician empathy than the chronic pain-free controls. All between-group differences were clinically relevant. There were no differences in physician communication or physician empathy according to physician type in the exploratory analyses, and study group X physician type interaction effects were not observed.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study, patients with chronic pain reported having physicians with poorer communication and less empathy than chronic pain-free controls. Longitudinal research is needed to more clearly determine the temporal relationship between patients’ chronic pain and physician communication and physician empathy during medical encounters.
Judgment in the News: The Bolsonaro Government
Authors: Da Silva Rodrigues Alex , Gonçalves do Nascimento Roseli
Published: October 2024

An analysis is presented of news articles from HuffPost and Fox News of instances of judgment towards different Brazilian social actors during the presidency of Jair Messias Bolsonaro (from 2018 to 2021). The news sources were chosen to contemplate different sides of the political spectrum: HuffPost representing left-leaning views and Fox News representing right-leaning ones. Instances of judgment were classified as positive and negative. The results are interpreted in comparison to each news outlet’s alleged political slant, and a pedagogical use of this framework for the EAL classroom is proposed.
Criteria for Coordination in Slovenian Multiclause Sentences
Authors: Gabrovšek Dejan
Published: October 2024

The article presents and explains the criteria for coordination in the Slovenian compound sentence. The most important criteria are the same status of both clauses, i.e. symmetry, interchangeability in the order of clauses, the fact that the non-initial clause expresses new information, the possibility of adding clauses, the temporal iconicity principle, the fact that backwards anaphora is not possible, and the coordinate structure constraint. Slovenian examples from the corpus are used to demonstrate almost every criterion.
At the end of the article, it is pointed out that not all the criteria can be applied to all the constructions considered coordinate, which is to be expected given the complex nature of a language, so it is better to say that there are different degrees of dependency rather than just subordination (complex sentences) and coordination (compound sentences): the more criteria for coordination a particular construction fulfils, the more coordinate it is, and the fewer criteria for coordination a particular construction fulfils, the less coordinate it is and thus closer to the subordinate pole. Some of the criteria for coordination shown here also apply to structures that are normally considered subordinate. Conversely, some of the criteria for subordination also apply to certain structures that are normally considered coordinate. There is no clear line between coordination and subordination, but rather a continuous gradient from the most coordinate to the most subordinate.
Vilniaus skulptūros Krantinės arka neoficialiųjų pavadinimų variantiškumas
Authors: Sidaravičienė Veslava
Published: October 2024

The article discusses variability of the unofficial names for Vladas Urbanavičius's sculpture Krantinės Arka (The Embankment Arch) in the language of Lithuanians, born in 1989–1998, according to the methods of their formation. Variants of names of the sculpture are compared to the equivalents used by the local Russians and Poles. This sculpture is commonly referred to as Vamzdis (The Pipe) in the unofficial Lithuanian language. In multi-word names where the nomenclature word is pipe, the unique part of the name highlights the external characteristics of the sculpture, its purpose, indicates the place where it stands, describes its meaning, or expresses a negative attitude, for example, Baisus vamzdis (A Terrible Pipe), Šūdų vamzdis (A Pipe of Shit), Išmatų vamzdis (A Pipe of Excrement). Sculpture Krantinės arka (The Embankment Arch) is called Rura (The Pipe) or Trąba [Tromba] (The Pipe) by Poles, and Труба (The Pipe) by Russians. These names reveal the similarities in the worldview of Vilnius Lithuanians, Russians and Poles: the basis of the same names ​​is the form of the object, with the difference being linguistic.
Influence of neurodegenerative diseases on handwriting
Authors: Singh Puja , Yadav Himanshu
Published: October 2024

Handwriting, like all other behavior, is regulated by the brain. This is typically an unconscious mechanism that is closely related to brain impulses. Any mental disorder can impair the forearm's kinetic motions, as can be seen in the subject's handwriting. It's crucial to focus on how a subject write rather than what a subject write if you want to understand health and mental issues. The aim of this analysis study is to learn about the changes that occur in an individual's handwriting characteristics during psychological problems, or when the subject is in a troubled state of mind. Calligraphy The study and analysis of handwriting, especially in relation to human psychology, is known as graphology. It has been discovered that features related to motion, time, and pressure are very useful and could be used to diagnose health and mental disorders using a manual or digital handwriting analysis approach.
Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Consensus Statements on the Use of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Stenosis of the Left Main Coronary Artery
Authors: Chieh Jack Tan Wei , Tan Huay Cheem , Lee Michael Kang Yin , Lo Sidney , Seth Ashok , Sin Kenny YK , Park Duk-Woo , Firman Doni , Yap Jonathan , Sison Eric Oliver , Yahya Achmad Fauzi , Chan Kok Meng John , Chan Howard Ho Yan , Murasato Yoshinobu , Malik Fazila , Nguyen Michael C , Lee Kwan Seung , Santoso Teguh , Zhang Bin , Kim Hyo-Soo , Wongpraparut Nattawut , Nguyen Quang Ngoc , Ako Junya , Bhindi Ravinay , Zhang Jun-Jie , Tam Frankie Chor-Cheung , Sengottuvelu G , Ramaiah Asri Ranga Bin Abdullah , Ali Rosli , Harding Scott A , Wong Aaron Sung Lung , Loh Poay Huan , Hsieh I-Chang , Kehasukcharoen Wirash , Linh Dinh Huynh , Yeo Khung Keong , Henry Timothy D , Stankovic Goran
Published: October 2024

Stenosis of the left main coronary artery (LM stenosis) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity due to the large area of affected myocardium. Evidence on the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of LM stenosis is growing. However, the role of Western guidelines on patients in the Asian-Pacific region is unclear due to anatomical variations, substantial heterogeneity in healthcare resources and infrastructure, and the lack of consensus on the optimal management of LM stenosis in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, an Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) working group developed consensus recommendations on the use of PCI in the management of LM stenosis in the Asia-Pacific region. The APSC expert panel reviewed and appraised the available evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Consensus recommendations were developed and put to an online vote. Consensus was reached when 80% of votes for a given recommendation were in support of ‘agree’ or ‘neutral’. The resulting 12 statements provide guidance for clinical practitioners in the region on the use of PCI in the treatment of patients with LM stenosis.
Tendencias mundiales para reducir la huella de carbono: retos y oportunidades para el sector salud en Costa Rica
Authors: Murillo-Rodríguez Ericka , Mora-Rivera Wendel
Published: October 2024

Introducción: La reducción de la huella de carbono en todos los sectores es imprescindible como parte de la acción climática, y la ejecución de estrategias específicas incluye el accionar de los servicios de atención sanitaria. Costa Rica se ha destacado por un sólido sistema de salud con enfoque de atención primaria; sin embargo, se documentan pocas evidencias científicas respecto a los roles e impactos del sistema de salud en la reducción de la huella de carbono a nivel nacional. Objetivo: Analizar la producción científica sobre huella de carbono en los servicios de salud a nivel global y contrastarla con la realidad costarricense. Método: Se realizó un mapeo de la literatura en español e inglés en la base de datos Scopus, a partir de términos de tesauros en línea. Se aplicaron criterios de inclusión y exclusión, y se utilizó la herramienta Bibliometrix en el software R para el análisis. Posteriormente, se realizó una revisión integrativa de los documentos seleccionados con apoyo de la plataforma Covidence. Resultados: Se analizaron 46 publicaciones en el análisis bibliográfico y 25 documentos en la revisión de alcance, identificando los temas investigados actualmente para la reducción de la huella de carbono en la atención sanitaria. Estos tópicos incluyen análisis de insumos hospitalarios, gestión de residuos sólidos, técnicas de evaluación de impacto ambiental, diseño de estrategias de sostenibilidad, educación ambiental, infraestructura sanitaria, compras sustentables y consumo energético. Conclusiones: Los estudios, independientemente de la región o país, presentan opciones para mejorar la práctica sanitaria en relación a la huella de carbono, impactando también la salud de las poblaciones. Sin embargo, la mayoría de estos estudios, según la metodología GRADE, presentan baja evidencia debido a las particularidades del diseño metodológico empleado. Las colaboraciones internacionales pueden ser una herramienta útil para avanzar en la implementación de tecnologías y estrategias políticas adaptables a la realidad costarricense, haciendo sostenible el sector salud y, por ende, la atención sanitaria.