bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of multi-planar reconstruction technique in endovascular repair of aortic dissection
Authors: Li Guo-Jie , Zhao Ming-Xian
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Endovascular repair of aortic dissection is an effective method commonly used in the treatment of Stanford type B aortic dissection. Stent placement during the operation was one-time and could not be repeatedly adjusted during the operation. Therefore, it is of great significance for cardiovascular physicians to fully understand the branch status, position, angle, and other information regarding aortic arch dissection before surgery.

AIM

To provide more references for clinical cardiovascular physicians to develop treatment plans.

METHODS

Data from 153 patients who underwent endovascular repair of aortic dissection at our hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent multi-slice spiral computed tomography angiography. Based on distinct post-image processing techniques, the patients were categorized into three groups: Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) (n = 55), volume reconstruction (VR) (n = 46), and maximum intensity projection (MIP) (n = 52). The detection rate of aortic rupture, accuracy of the DeBakey classification, rotation, and tilt angles of the C-arm during the procedure, dispersion after stent release, and the incidence of late complications were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The detection rates of interlayer rupture in the MPR and VR groups were significantly higher than that in the MIP group (P < 0.05). The detection rates of DeBakey subtypes I, II, and III in the MPR group were higher than those in the MIP group, and the detection rate of type III in the MPR group was significantly higher than that in the VR group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the detection rates of types I and II compared to the VR group (P > 0.05). The scatter rate of markers and the incidence of complications in the MPR group were significantly lower than those in the VR and MIP groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The application of MPR in the endovascular repair of aortic dissection has improved the detection rate of dissection rupture, the accuracy of anatomical classification, and safety.
Congophilic fibrils in the glomeruli with polyclonal immunoglobulin gamma staining - another cause for diagnostic overlap: A case report
Authors: Chow Maria Bernadette Che-Ying , Bushrow Lucas , Siddiqui Irmeen , Chiu April , Hamirani Mirza , Satoskar Anjali A
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Glomerulopathy with fibrillary deposits is not uncommon in routine nephropathology practice, with amyloidosis and fibrillary glomerulonephritis being the two most frequently encountered entities. Renal amyloid heavy and light chain (AHL) is relatively uncommon and its biopsy diagnosis is usually limited to cases that show strong equivalent staining for a single immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain and a single light chain, further supported by mass spectrometry (MS) and serum studies for monoclonal protein. But polyclonal light chain staining can pose a challenge.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein we present a challenging case of renal AHL with polyclonal and polytypic Ig gamma (IgG) staining pattern by immunofluorescence. The patient is a 62-year-old Caucasian male who presented to an outside institution with a serum creatinine of up to 8.1 mg/dL and nephrotic range proteinuria. Despite the finding of a polyclonal and polytypic staining pattern on immunofluorescence, ultrastructural study of the renal biopsy demonstrated the presence of fibrils with a mean diameter of 10 nm. Congo red was positive while DNAJB9 was negative. MS suggested a diagnosis of amyloid AHL type with IgG and lambda, but kappa light chains were also present supporting the immunofluorescence staining results. Serum immunofixation studies demonstrated IgG lambda monoclonal spike. The patient was started on chemotherapy. The chronic renal injury however was quite advanced and he ended up needing dialysis shortly after.

CONCLUSION

Tissue diagnosis of AHL amyloid can be tricky. Thorough confirmation using other available diagnostic techniques is recommended in such cases.
A ‘STRONG REGIME’ FOR SAFE ANKLES: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY TO VALIDATE AN EARLY MOBILIZATION PROGRAMME AFTER A LATERAL ANKLE LIGAMENT REPAIR WITH SUTURE TAPE AUGMENTATION
Authors: Gilsing G. , De Kort J. , Van der Weegen W.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate early mobilization with the ‘STRONG regime’ is safe after lateral ankle ligament repair with suture tape augmentation.

Background

The ESSKA-AFAS ankle instability group presented in 2016 evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation and return to activity after lateral ankle ligament repair. Early mobilization is considered an important element of postoperative rehabilitation. Patients have to be immobilized for approximately six weeks to protect the delicate repair. Lateral ankle ligament repair with suture tape augmentation results in greater strength compared with standard repairs and early mobilization proved to be successful in small sample size studies. Augmented surgery technique is getting increasingly popular. However, it is unknown which rehabilitation regimes are used. It is essential to establish a clear evidence-based guideline for rehabilitation after surgery.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to obtain the best evidence research regarding this surgery. In cooperation between the orthopaedic- and physical therapy department a post-operative rehabilitation protocol with early mobilization was established. This STRONG protocol (figure 1) is based on milestones and three stages.

Results

In February 2016 the first patients were selected for the early mobilization regime. In total 102 patients with a lateral ankle ligament repair were treated with the STRONG protocol. No re-ruptures were observed with a follow up of a year. In a subgroup of athletes hop tests showed a symmetry index of 100,5% for triple hop, 98,6 for side hop and 103,6 for figure of 8 hop. First return to sport was achieved between 9–12 weeks, with full return to competition after a mean of 4 months.

Conclusions

An early postoperative mobilization regime based on supervised exercises seems to be a safe intervention after a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction.

Clinical implications

Augmented ankle ligament surgery with early mobilization could be an important advancement in treating patients with chronic ankle injuries.

For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly.
ELDERLY ANKLE FRACTURE MANAGEMENT: PUTTING THE EVIDENCE INTO PRACTICE
Authors: Liaw F. , O'Connor H. , McLaughlin N. , Townshend D.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Following publication of the Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial in 2016 which compared the management of ankle fractures with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus closed contact casting (CCC), we looked at how the results of this study have been adopted into practice in a trauma unit in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Institutional approval granted to identify eligible patients from a trauma database. 143 patients over 60 years with an unstable ankle fracture between 2017 and 2019 (1 year following publication of the AIM trial) were included. Open fractures, and patients with insulin-dependent diabetes or peripheral vessel disease were excluded (as per AIM criteria). Radiographs were reviewed for malunion and non-union. Clinical notes were reviewed for adverse events. Minimum follow up was 24 months.

Results

Of the 143 patients, 42 patients (29.4%) received a moulded cast with a return to theatre rate of 21.4%, malunion rate of 30.1%, and infection or wound problem rate of 4.8%. When the exact phrase “close contact cast” was specified in 21 patients (14.7%), there was a 19.0% return to theatre rate, 28.6% malunion rate, and a 4.8% infection or wound problem rate. 101 patients (70.6%) had ORIF with a return to theatre rate of 10.9%, malunion rate of 5.0%, and infection or wound problem rate of 13.9%.

Discussion

Our results show a high rate of complication with cast management of unstable ankle fractures in this older population. This was improved where CCC was specified, but remains higher even than those published in the AIM trial. Whilst there is certainly a role for CCC in carefully selected patients, we would advise caution in the widespread adoption of a close contact casting technique.
THE PREDICTIVE VALUE OF VASCULAR CALCIFICATION ON PLAIN RADIOGRAPHS OF THE FOOT TO DIAGNOSE DIABETES MELLITUS
Authors: Jennison T. , Naveed U. , Chadwick C. , Blundell C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There are nearly 500,000 people with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus in the UK. The incidental finding vascular calcification on plain radiographs in patients with undiagnosed diabetes has the potential to alter patient management in those presenting with pathology. We hypothesised that the presence of vascular calcification on plain radiographs of the foot may predict the diagnosis of diabetes. The primary aim of this case control study was to determine the positive predictive value of vascular calcification to diagnose diabetes. Secondary aims were to determine the odds of having diabetes dependent on other known risk factors for calcification.

Methods

A retrospective case control study of 130 diabetic patients were compared to 130 non-diabetic patients that were matched for age and gender. The presence of vascular calcification in anterior, posterior or plantar vessels, and length of calcification were measured on plain radiographs. McNemar's Chi-squared test and positive predictive values were calculated. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between calcification and diabetes.

Results

28 patients had type I diabetes and 102 had type II diabetes. The mean age was 58.0 in both groups and 31.5% were females. 89.2% of those with diabetes had calcification present, and 23.1% in those without (p < 0.0001). Calcification in two vessels predicts diabetes with a positive predictive value of 91.2% (95% CI 82.1%–100%). The odds ratio for having diabetes is 78 (95% CI: 7.8 – 784) times higher in a person who has calcification in the blood vessels of their foot than in a person without calcification after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that vascular calcification in 2 vessels is over 90% predictive of a diagnosis of diabetes. This screening test could be used in future clinics when interpreting radiographs, aiding in the diagnosis of diabetes and altering patient management.
A 3-D Global FDTD Courant-limit Model of the Earth for Long-time-span and High-altitude Applications
Authors: Zhang Yisong , Smith Dallin R. , Simpson Jamesina J.
Published: June 2024

A new global 3-D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) model is introduced to simulate electromagnetic wave propagation around the Earth, including the lithosphere, oceans, atmosphere, and ionosphere regions. This model has several advantages over existing global models, which include grids that follow lines of latitude and longitude and geodesic grids comprised of hexagons and pentagons. The advantages of the new model include: (1) it may be run at the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) time step (as a result, it is termed the Courant-limit model); (2) subgrids may be added to specific regions of the model as needed in a straight-forward manner; and (3) the grid cells do not become infinitely larger as the grid is extended higher in altitude. As a result, this model is a better candidate than the others for investigating electromagnetic phenomena over long time spans of interest and for investigating atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling. The new model is first described and then validated by comparing results for extremely low frequency (ELF) propagation attenuation with corresponding analytical and measurement results reported in the literature.
The Gentleman from the Gem of the Sea: The 1834 Edinburgh Dinner Revisited
Authors: Long William F.
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Most modern biographies of Dickens refer to his first major assignment for the Morning Chronicle : a trip to Edinburgh to report on a Festival in honor of Lord Grey. The visit has become celebrated by the inclusion, in the resulting newspaper copy, of a 238-word passage which, it has been remarked, "would not have been out of place in one of Boz's Monthly tales" (Slater 43). The present paper considers the fiercely bipartisan political atmosphere at the time, its expression in the contemporary press, and the impact on it of the famous passage. It is suggested that a jokey contemporary comment on the passage represents the earliest recovered quasi-personification of Dickens's authorial presence.
We Are Already Defying the Supreme Court
Authors: Doerfler Ryan , Moyn Samuel
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: The idea of disregarding the U.S. Supreme Court—simply ignoring its decisions—has become a flash point. "Americans will not tolerate defiance of the institution and the rule of law," remarked one conservative law professor, irate about the possibility that President Joe Biden or other political officials might engage in such behavior. Who has defied the Supreme Court in the past? If leading examples include Andrew Jackson the ethnic cleansing populist or George Wallace the Southern segregationist, the answer has to be: no one good.
Out of the Ruins
Authors: Lewis Natasha
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: When we planned this issue's special section on the global left, we had no idea that we would be confronted with a devastating crisis in the Middle East, one that has had major ripple effects on politics around the world. The war Israel launched in Gaza after Hamas's brutal attack on October 7 has created new divides and exacerbated old tensions. A growing peace movement is calling for an end to Israel's bombardment and ground invasion, which has killed over 23,000 people in Gaza, 40 percent of them children, and displaced almost 2 million more, many of whom are on the edge of starvation. In many countries, protesters have taken to the streets to call for an end to the killing, and politicians have been pushed to respond.
Sahra Wagenknecht Divides the German Left
Authors: Stokes Lauren
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: When the German MP Sahra Wagenknecht took the microphone at a press conference in October to explain why she was leaving Die Linke (the Left), she said she had to launch a new party because without dramatic change, "in ten years we will no longer recognize our country." Her new party, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance—For Reason and Justice, aims to resolve Germany's existential crisis.
"Even in a Place of Sorrow, Even in a Place of Joy": Intersections of Blackness and Southernness in the Works of bell hooks and Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
Authors: Palermo Emily D.
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: bell hooks's Belonging: A Culture of Place (2009) and Honorée Fanonne Jeffers's The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois (2021) exist at the intersection of southernness and Blackness, mapping the ways that the south can be a site of trauma and profound identification for the Black southerners who call it home. Both texts articulate the intense emotional experience that stems from returning to the south and offer alternative models for considering Black southern affects. These models challenge the white emotional paradigm—particularly its preoccupation with nostalgia—that dominates conversations about southern feelings. Situating these two texts within the current discourse surrounding monuments and memorials, this article highlights a non-linear engagement with history that prioritizes the felt aftermaths of slavery and the Jim Crow era in southern Black communities. In centering the complex, and often contradictory, affects that define the Black southern experience, both Belonging and The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois articulate the felt forms through which Black southerners return to both the physical region and history of the south.
Soliton self-frequency shift prediction in amplifying fibers using the moment method
Authors: Kormokar Robi , Rochette Martin
Published: June 2024

We formulate moment equations that quantify the soliton self-frequency shift in amplifying fibers. Soliton evolution is quantified in terms of energy, chirp, duration, delay, and central frequency and as a function of fiber properties of gain, dispersion, and nonlinearity and their wavelength-dependence. Results from the moment equations agree closely with results obtained from the nonlinear Schrodinger equation but without heavy computational resources requirements. Moment equations also have the great advantage of explicitly revealing the optimal initial pulse chirp that is required to induce maximum soliton self-frequency shift and energy conversion efficiency. The formulation is a simple and precise tool of utmost interest for the design of wavelength converters and supercontinuum sources based on soliton self-frequency shift.
Inline edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging through mask misalignment
Authors: Francken Nicholas , Sanctorum Jonathan , Sanctorum Joaquim , Vanthienen Pieter-Jan , Sijbers Jan , De Beenhouwer Jan
Published: June 2024

X-ray imaging is becoming more commonplace for inline industrial inspection, where a sample placed on a conveyor belt is translated through a scanning setup. However, the conventional X-ray attenuation contrast is often insufficient to characterize soft materials such as polymers and carbon reinforced components. Edge illumination (EI) is an X-ray phase contrast imaging technique that provides complementary differential phase and dark field contrasts, next to attenuation contrast. Combining multiple of these contrasts has been shown to improve industrial defect detection tasks. Unfortunately, conventional EI imaging is incompatible with an inline setup, as it requires moving part of the setup during acquisitions, while for inline scanning objects translate through a fixed inspection setup. Current solutions require either limiting the number of retrieved contrasts, or acquiring dedicated hardware. In this work, we demonstrate a method of inline EI imaging that does not limit the number of retrieved contrasts and does not require any new hardware. The method is validated through both simulation and experiment, demonstrating high flexibility and possible noise reduction, while successfully retrieving all three EI contrasts.
Towards high-power MOPA architectures in single-mode fibers for mid-IR mode-locked operation
Authors: Dutta Gupta Bhaswar , Tang Stanley , Berthelot Thibaud , Cozic Solenn , Poulain Samuel , Aguergaray Claude
Published: June 2024

We report on a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system at 2.8 µm to achieve an average power of 10.28 W with a pulse energy and peak power of 403 nJ and 5.76 kW, respectively. The seed, a semiconductor saturable mirror (SESAM) based mode-locked linear cavity source, delivers approximately 70 ps pulses at 28.16 MHz. Two amplifier stages are utilized in counter-pumping and dual-pumping configurations to enable high extraction efficiency and signal gain. To the best of our knowledge, this result is the highest average power and pulse energy obtained from a SESAM-based 2.8 µm mode-locked laser employing ZBLAN fiber MOPA architecture. It paves the way for achieving high average power in-fiber nonlinear amplification in single-mode fibers in the mid-infrared wavelength region.
Hyperspectral measurements of light backscattering by particles in water with a fixed angle setup: proof of concept and instrument calibration
Authors: Novak Michael G. , Burmeister Henning , Röttgers Rüdiger
Published: June 2024

The light backscatter signal is the fraction of light scattered at angles greater than 90 degrees with respect to the direction of the incident light. Optical remote sensing platforms collect this signal, which, when measured from the ocean, holds crucial information about its constituents. Interpretation of this signal demands a rigorous understanding of scattering by water and by particles in water. Previous backscatter measurements have mainly focused on resolving the angular distribution of scattering with much less attention given to resolving the wavelength component of backscatter. Most heritage sensors have looked at most 9 wavelengths of light at one scattering angle. Just recently an in situ sensor was presented that can measure backscattering with a 10 nm resolution. Here, we present a laboratory hyperspectral backscatter setup capable of measuring from the ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths (320 - 850 nm) at 2 nm resolution.
Non-contact imaging of terahertz surface currents with aperture-type near-field microscopy
Authors: Norman Sarah , Seddon James , Lu Yuezhen , Hale Lucy , Zaman Abdullah , Addamane Sadhvikas J. , Brener Igal , Degl’Innocenti Riccardo , Mitrofanov Oleg
Published: June 2024

Terahertz (THz) near-field imaging and spectroscopy provide valuable insights into the fundamental physical processes occurring in THz resonators and metasurfaces on the subwavelength scale. However, so far, the mapping of THz surface currents has remained outside the scope of THz near-field techniques. In this study, we demonstrate that aperture-type scanning near-field microscopy enables non-contact imaging of THz surface currents in subwavelength resonators. Through extensive near-field mapping of an asymmetric D-split-ring THz resonator and full electromagnetic simulations of the resonator and the probe, we demonstrate the correlation between the measured near-field images and the THz surface currents. The observed current dynamics in the interval of several picoseconds reveal the interplay between several excited modes, including dark modes, whereas broadband THz near-field spectroscopy analysis enables the characterization of electromagnetic resonances defined by the resonator geometry.
Using augmented reality to cue obstacles for people with low vision: publisher’s note
Authors: Fox Dylan R. , Ahmadzada Ahmad , Friedman Clara T. , Azenkot Shiri , Chu Marlena , Manduchi Roberto , Cooper Emily A.
Published: June 2024

This publisher’s note contains a correction to Opt. Express 31(4), 6827 (2023)10.1364/OE.479258
Three-dimensional rainbow refractometry
Authors: Deng Zhiwen , Wu Yingchun , Wang Xinhao , Lin Zhiming , Lv Qimeng , Jin Qiwen , Wu Xuecheng
Published: June 2024

We propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, rainbow technique called three-dimensional rainbow refractometry (TDRR), with a cylindrical lens in the signal collecting system. With a TDRR model based on the ray transfer matrix developed, it is proved that the tilt angle of the rainbow signal is related to the axial position of the droplet, which helps to obtain the 3D position. By converting rainbow scattering angle calibration into the system parameter calibration, a new rainbow data processing program is written in combination with the model to obtain the refractive index and the particle size. With TDRR, we measured a monodisperse droplet stream of deionized water at room temperature for experimental validation and obtained the refractive index with an absolute error of less than 0.0015, the droplet size with an error within ±5%, and the axial position with an error within ±3%, which demonstrated a high accuracy of TDRR.
Wigner distribution and entropy of partially coherent light generated by perfect optical vortices
Authors: Acevedo Cristian Hernando , Dawda Shubham , Lee Kang-min , Dogariu Aristide
Published: June 2024

We developed analytical expressions for the Wigner distribution function of partially coherent fields generated by the scattering of beams with a particular phase structure, namely perfect optical vortex beams. In addition, we provide the modal decomposition of the field correlations and evaluate the evolution of Shannon entropy associated with the partially coherent field.
How will better data (and better use of data) enable us to save the planet?
Authors: Hawkins Frank
Published: June 2024

The potentially catastrophic loss of biodiversity happening around the globe is largely caused by economic activity that is not connected to its environmental impacts. To improve positive and reduce negative outcomes for nature, investment decision-makers in companies, governments, and the finance sector need data on the impacts of economic activity, especially production of food and other commodities, on biodiversity, at fine geographical scales. This Essay argues that the data allowing us to identify the most important factors causing biodiversity loss are already available. However, we need more data to track impacts on biodiversity up value chains into pathways, toolkits, and approaches that will facilitate verified, concrete actions by companies and consumers to reduce threats to biodiversity in particular places. Our current knowledge is insufficient to deliver complete responses to the biodiversity crisis, but this is no excuse for delaying action.
Tuberculosis care provided by private practitioners in an urban setting in Indonesia: Findings from a standardized patient study
Authors: Lestari Bony Wiem , Hadisoemarto Panji F. , Afifah Nur , McAllister Susan , Fattah Deny , Salindri Argita D. , van Crevel Reinout , Murray Megan , Hill Philip C. , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: June 2024

In Indonesia, government-owned Community Health Centers (CHCs) spearhead tuberculosis (TB) care at the primary level, but a substantial proportion of individuals with pulmonary TB also seek care from Private Practitioners (PPs). However, little is known about PPs’ practice in managing patients with TB-associated symptoms. To avoid bias associated with self-administered surveys, we used standardized patients (SPs) to evaluate PPs’ adherence to the national TB guidelines. Four clinical scenarios of individuals presenting complaints suggestive of TB, accompanied by different sputum smear results or TB treatment histories were developed. We assigned 12 trained SPs to PPs practicing in 30 CHC catchment areas in Bandung city, Indonesia. For comparison, two scenarios were also presented to the CHCs. A total of 341 successful SP visits were made to 225 private general practitioners (GPs), 29 private specialists, and 30 CHCs. When laboratory results were not available, adherence to the recommended course of action, i.e., sputum examination, was low among private GPs (31%) and private specialists (20%), while it was requested in 87% of visits to the CHCs. PPs preferred chest X-ray (CXR) in all scenarios, with requests made in 66% of visits to private GPs and 84% of visits to private specialists (vs. 8% CHCs). Prescriptions of incorrect TB drug regimens were reported from 7% and 13% of visits to private GPs and specialists, respectively, versus none of the CHCs. Indonesian PPs have a clear preference for CXR over microbiological testing for triaging presumptive TB patients, and inappropriate prescription of TB drugs is not uncommon. These findings warrant actions to increase awareness among PPs about the importance of microbiological testing and of administering appropriate TB drug regimens. SP studies can be used to assess the impact of these interventions on providers’ adherence to guidelines.
Process evaluation of the HIV+D intervention for integrating the management of depression in routine HIV care in Uganda
Authors: Ssebunnya Joshua , Rwamahe Rutakumwa , Mpango Richard , Kyohangirwe Leticia , Tusiime Christine , Sentongo Hafsa , Kaleebu Pontiano , Patel Vikram , Kinyanda Eugene
Published: June 2024

HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the leading global health challenges, having claimed over 40 million lives so far. People infected with HIV are more likely to develop depression, leading to several negative behavioural and clinical outcomes. Studies have reported exceptionally high prevalence of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), making a case for integrating mental healthcare in routine HIV care. The HIV+D program was implemented in Uganda as an intervention model for integrating the management of depression in HIV care. Process evaluation was carried out to understand the contextual factors and explain the outcomes of the intervention. This was a qualitative study, conducted in 28 out of the 40 public health facilities in 3 districts, where the intervention was undertaken. A total of 82 participants, including the implementers and beneficiaries of the intervention were purposively selected for key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Conventional content analysis was done focusing on 6 aspects including reach, effectiveness, acceptability, implementation fidelity, maintenance (sustainability) and contextual factors that affected the intervention. The intervention was well received and believed to address a real need of the intended beneficiaries; many of whom described it as a program for helping the depressed PLWHA to deal with their depression. The implementers were said to have adhered to the intervention protocol, without major program adaptations, suggesting strong implementation fidelity. The respondents cited several positive health outcomes that resulted from the intervention, for both the beneficiaries and the implementers. Several contextual factors affected the implementation. Although it met the beneficiaries’ approval, and was considered relevant and acceptable, they expressed uncertainty over sustainability of the intervention in a health system characterized by understaffing, resource constraints and several other challenges. The intervention was generally implemented as intended, resulting in several positive health outcomes.
Friendship matters—An interview study with adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Robertz Anna-Carin , Kantzer Anne-Katrin , Nilsson Stefan , Törnhage Carl-Johan , Nyman Viola
Published: June 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition diagnosed in 5% of children and adolescents. This neurodevelopmental condition causes impaired academic, social, and occupational functioning. Adolescents with ADHD symptoms have lower health-related quality of life and children with ADHD have been described as having difficulties forming positive friendships. Therefore, the aim was to describe how 15–17-year-old adolescents with ADHD experience friendship with peers. A semi-structured interview study was conducted with twelve adolescents about their experiences of friendships. The adolescents were recruited from a Swedish psychiatry clinic. A qualitative content analysis was used. In the results, three main categories were constructed: "Bonding with Friends" underscores the importance of understanding, shared interests, and adaptability. The "One’s own role" category emphasises the dynamic interplay of self-perception and interpersonal behaviours in interaction with friends. The "How Friendship Matters" category describes the complex nature of friendships, involving both support and conflicts. The adolescents’ relationships improved with age, influenced by self-awareness, ADHD medication and support from adults. In conclusion, friendships play a crucial role in the well-being of the participants, providing vital support when navigating ADHD associated challenges. It is essential that the adolescents themselves, but also adults and healthcare providers, recognise and address their impulsivity issues and need for daily planning. We should assist adolescents in developing effective interaction strategies with friends. The study highlights the significance of friendships and peer support for the adolescents’ health and functioning.
Depression and its associated factors among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana
Authors: Nutor Jerry John , Alhassan Robert Kaba , Thompson Rachel G. A. , Asakitogum David Ayangba , Duah Henry Ofori , Ritchwood Tiarney D. , Nkothula Nkosi  , Klaas Ntombifikile , Agyemang Sampson Opoku , Gyamerah Akua O.
Published: June 2024

Depression among people living with HIV/AIDS in higher-income countries is associated with suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy and though counterintuitive. Yet, less is known regarding how depression, social support, and other sociodemographic factors influence outcomes among people living with HIV, particularly in resource-limited settings like Ghana. In view of this gap, this study investigated factors associated with depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in the Volta region of Ghana. A total of 181 people living with HIV from a local antiretroviral clinic was purposively sampled for the study. The questionnaire included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Internalized Stigma of HIV/AIDS Tool, and the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12. An independent student t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and chi-square test were conducted to ascertain the associations among the variables of interest. The magnitude of association was evaluated with multiple linear regression. The average depression score among the participants was 9.1±8.8 and 20.4% reported signs of depression. Majority (78%) of participants who were depressed were male compared to females (p = 0.031). In the multiple linear regression, every one-year increase in age was significantly associated with an estimated 0.012 standard deviation increase in depression scores (95% CI: 0.002–0.021) after adjusting for all other variables in the model. Every unit standard deviation increase in social support was significantly associated with an estimated 0.659 standard deviation increase in depression scores (95% CI:0.187–1.132), after adjusting for all other variables in the model. We found a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV especially among males. An increase in age and social support was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in this study. We recommend further study using longitudinal approach to understand this unexpected association between depression and social support among people living with HIV in Ghana.
Impact of RMB internationalization on China’s competitiveness in financial services trade based on the VAR model: Evidence from China-US
Authors: Lei Yufei
Published: June 2024

An increase in a currency internationalization levels can positively impact its credibility in international economic activities, and expand the effective demand and optimize the supply structure for the country’s financial service trade. In this way, a state can improve its financial service trade competitiveness in the international market. This study builds a vector autoregressive model based on time-series data of China-US financial services trade from 2010 to 2021, analyzes the impact of different quantitative indicators of RMB internationalization on this trade from the impulse response results, and validates the conclusions using various inspection methods. The results show that the increase in RMB internationalization helps to narrow the China-US financial services trade balance, but with a significant lag. And this effect is heterogeneous in different dimensions, demonstrated by the fact that the development of overseas RMB securities business is more important for the level of RMB internationalization to narrow the China-US financial services trade balance. Finally, among the specific measures to improve its financial services trade, China should focus on developing the international competitiveness of the traditional RMB deposit and loan financial sector, while the competition in the overseas market for high value-added financial businesses must also not be neglected. Furthermore, China needs to implement more targeted RMB internationalization development policies at different levels in the future to provide high-quality financial services to the rest of the world and aid in the economic recovery of the world in the "post-pandemic" era.
Antimicrobial resistance and genome characteristics of Salmonella enteritidis from Huzhou, China
Authors: Yan Wei , Xu Deshun , Chen Liping , Wu Xiaofang
Published: June 2024

Salmonella enteritidis is a main pathogen responsible for sporadic outbreaks of gastroenteritis, and therefore is an important public health problem. This study investigated the drug resistance and genomic characteristics of S. enteritidis isolated from clinical and food sources in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, from February 1, 2021, to December 30, 2023. In total, 43 S. enteritidis strains isolated during the study period were subjected to virulence gene, drug resistance gene, genetic correlation, antibiotic resistance, and multilocus sequence typing analyses. All 43 isolates were identified as ST11, and contained 108 virulence-related genes. Drug sensitivity analysis of the 43 isolates showed resistance rates of 100% to nalidixic acid and 90.70% to ampicillin and ampicillin/sulbactam. Multidrug resistance is a serious issue, with 81.40% of strains resistant to three or more antibacterial drugs. Genome sequencing indicated that S. enteritidis possessed 23 drug resistance genes, of which 14 were common to all 43 isolates. Phylogenetic analysis based on core genome single-nucleotide polymorphisms divided the 43 S. enteritidis strains into three clusters, with the 10 samples from an outbreak forming an independent branch located in cluster 3.
Speaking With
Authors: Fraser Marita
Published: June 2024

Speaking With (2020–23) is a film which explores entangled spaces of feminist thinking and writing, responding to the work of Italian Feminist Carla Lonzi (1931–82) and Ukrainian-born Brazilian novelist Clarice Lispector (1920–77), alongside material practices of textiles, sound and movement, through moving image practice. Speaking With examines the spaces between the artist and her school run asking where does friendship sit within material based and movement practices, identifying ‘nothing’ (as it is understood by Carla Lonzi as a refusing of subjecthood within patriarchal structures), as a site to speak from collectively.
Los diferentes elementos indemnizatorios por la rescisión del contrato por voluntad unilateral del deportista profesional sin causa imputable al club
Authors: Ortega Lozano Pompeyo Gabriel
Published: June 2024

A efectos de este estudio doctrinal se otorgan las pautas necesarias con las que cuantificar, valorar y probar la indemnización económica a solicitar al jugador por la extinción de la relación laboral consecuencia de su propia voluntad. Considerando los antecedentes anteriores, pretendemos otorgar las pautas oportunas sobre el siguiente objeto: (a) Analizar la aplicación de la doctrina general respecto a los conceptos económicos por los que se puede reclamar la extinción del contrato de trabajo a voluntad del deportista sin causa imputable al club. (b) La importancia de los medios probatorios con los que justificar el “petitum” indemnizatorio en vía judicial por reclamación de cantidad. (c) La realización de un profundo estudio de la doctrina judicial y académica para la valoración del “quantum” económico indemnizatorio por el daño que la actuación del deportista profesional ha ocasionado al club en supuestos en los que no hay cláusula alguna pactada.
La menstruación en el entorno laboral
Authors: De la Iglesia Aza Lidia , Solymosi-Szekeres Bernadett
Published: June 2024

El acercamiento interdisciplinario más reciente al fenómeno de la menstruación ha acuñado el termino salud menstrual. Este concepto ha entrado en la legislación laboral principalmente a través de la institución de la baja menstrual. En este artículo se realiza una investigación comparativa basada en la bibliografía y jurisprudencia internacional sobre la salud y el permiso menstruales. Es imprescindible el acercamiento a este fenómeno para una legislación laboral sostenible, ya que la salud menstrual afecta a la legislación laboral no sólo desde la perspectiva de los derechos fundamentales, sino también para lograr la igualdad de trato, vinculándose a unas condiciones de trabajo justas y decentes. A nivel internacional no existe una solución jurídica común, si bien es una cuestión con relevancia global, hasta la fecha cuenta con muy limitados acercamientos jurídicos. El objetivo de este estudio es subrayar la necesidad de regular la menstruación en la legislación laboral.
Naturaleza contractual del ejercicio profesional de los árbitros deportivos
Authors: Vergara Prieto Natasha
Published: June 2024

La reciente sentencia del Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Madrid de fecha 20 de febrero de 2024 ha supuesto un giro doctrinal respecto de la naturaleza jurídica de la relación contractual de los árbitros deportivos. El artículo trata de analizar, además de la jurisprudencia previa a dicha sentencia, los acontecimientos de diferente naturaleza que pueden haber intervenido en la aportación doctrinal novedosa realizada por la sentencia objeto de estudio.
Educación cívica: análisis del concepto
Authors: López-Meseguer Rafael , Mínguez-Vallejos Ramón
Published: June 2024

El concepto de educación cívica está en el centro de numerosas investigaciones en la actualidad. En tanto que cuestión sociopolítica, se debate su importancia como uno de los procesos fundamentales en la socialización de los individuos. En tanto que cuestión educativa, es objeto de numerosas discusiones a propósito de su organización curricular y sobre los fines a los que habría de aspirar una educación de este tipo. Lo común a todos los estudios y debates es una cierta indeterminación en cuanto al objeto de la misma, pues en todas esas investigaciones es denominada de múltiples maneras dando lugar a extensiones conceptuales de todo tipo. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido el de llevar a cabo un análisis teórico del concepto de educación cívica a partir del conocimiento disponible desde la teoría política, social y educativa. Así pues, tomando como referencia el método del análisis conceptual, se propone entender la misma como aquellos procesos educativos formales, informales y no formales que desarrollan determinadas competencias ciudadanas (conocimientos, actitudes y destrezas). Seguidamente, se delimitan teóricamente los ámbitos en que tiene lugar la educación cívica (formal, informal y no formal), distinguiéndolos de otros espacios de socialización donde se producen aprendizajes cívicos. Y, por último, se establecen y discuten teóricamente las dimensiones, dominios y subdominios de la competencia ciudadana, erigida en la actualidad como el resultado esperable de la educación cívica. Con todo, se destaca que estamos frente a un concepto esencialmente controvertido, y que los análisis conceptuales sobre el mismo habrán de actualizarse de acuerdo al público objeto de estudio y en atención a la realidad de cada tiempo histórico.
Detecção, Rastreamento e Contagem de Veículos para Análise de Tráfego Urbano utilizando Métodos de Aprendizagem Profunda
Authors: de S. Sampaio Guilherme , E. B. de S. Linhares José
Published: June 2024

RESUMOThe constant increase in the number of vehicles around the world hasdrawn attention to the need to implement effective traffic monitoringand control technologies. In this work, a methodology is presentedthat uses two algorithms, one that applies the YOLOv8 detector andthe other that applies Deep SORT tracking, to detect, track and countvehicles. Validation results during training of the vehicle detectionmodel revealed an overall accuracy of 89, 2% and mAP50 of 93, 7%on the AIC HCMC 2020 database. Additionally, when applying themodel to a test video, an overall accuracy of 81, 2% and mAP50 of87, 5% was achieved. These results highlight the effectiveness of thedetection algorithm for use in applications involving vehicle trackingand counting, with significant potential for traffic management.
Developing and Evaluating the Quality of a Website to Combat Online Sexual Violence Against Children and Teens
Authors: Silva Junior Deógenes , E. S. Silva Deivid , R. S. Cassenote Mariane , R. A. Grégio André , Mara Peres Leticia , Silva Fabiano , M. C. Valentim Natasha , Jang Jenifer , Novak Elenice
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTOnline sexual violence against children and teens is a problem thatdemands organized collective efforts to strengthen a protectionnetwork between different institutions. This paper describes the developmentand quality evaluation process of a website for a nationalObservatory to combat online sexual violence against children andteens, which gathers studies and knowledge about this violence andorganizes protection actions. The developing process went throughstages of Requirements Analysis, Prototyping, Coding, Testing andEvaluation. The main contribution of this paper is the proposal anddevelopment of an unprecedented website for an observatory withthe evaluation of its quality, including the application of techniquessuch as Inspection, Testing and Card Sorting. Moreover, we presentthe lessons learned for constructing other Observatories that fightrelevant social problems. This project had the participation of nationaland international agencies, including a federal university, afederal government ministry, an ONU programme and a researchsupport foundation.
Model optimization by destructive methods: A case study using structured pruning in image classification models
Authors: Moura Flávio , Madureira Adriano , Lopes Lyanh , Neves Vinicius , Oliveira Walter , Costa Saulo , Morais Jefferson , Seruffo Marcos
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Deep Neural Network architectures’ advances offer innovativeand effective solutions to various complex challenges. In order toimprove the models’ effectiveness based on these architectures’ requirements,the model hyperparameter optimization is an essentialproject stage. Despite this, the existing optimization techniquesdemand a high computational cost when directly applied to thestate-of-the-art most complex architectures. In this sense, this studyproposes a method for hyperparameter optimization leveraginglow computational cost for Artificial Intelligence models throughstructured pruning techniques. For the purpose of verifying anddemonstrating the method, three main hypotheses are investigatedthroughout the implementation of a case study, which consists ofthe models’ fine-tuning and optimization for three-dimensionalgeometric shapes classification on real-world object images. Theprocess includes hyperparameter optimization for pruned models,considering the posterior retraining, evaluation, analysis and comparisonbetween the performance and efficiency of the originalmodels. Finally, the results were promising, indicating an improvementthat reaches up to 10.58% Precision by just focusing on themodels’ learning rates optimization.
Construindo pontes para a equidade de gênero na área de Tecnologia da Informação
Authors: Hadres Mendes Isabela , Hahn Melo Sabrina , Petró Vanessa
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTThroughout history, we have been experiencing animportant struggle against gender inequality anddiscrimination in various environments and areas ofknowledge, a struggle that still proves necessary today:there are still numerous barriers in the academic and workworld regarding women's participation in science andtechnology. This article presents an experiential account ofthe Meninas High-Tech project, which operates within thistheme. The project emerges as a channel for reflection andcombat against gender inequalities and discriminations,promoting actions to encourage and value women'sparticipation in the fields of science and technology.Operating within the scope of IFRS - Campus Feliz andschools in the region, the project, between the years 2020and 2023, carried out different teaching, research, andextension activities, with the latter two highlighted in thisarticle. It was noticeable, both during the workshops andsubsequently, in the analysis of the evaluation formsapplied, the positive impact of the actions taught, both incombating gender stereotypes and in promoting a change infemale perspective regarding the field of informatics, withthe student participants considering it as a career possibilityafter contact with the project.