bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age as a Mortality Predictor in ECPR Patients
Authors: Spacek Radim , Weiss Vojtech , Kavalkova Petra , Jiravsky Otakar , Barcak Jan , Belohlavek Jan
Published: September 2024

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an advanced technique using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support patients with refractory cardiac arrest. Age significantly influences ECPR outcomes, with younger patients generally experiencing better survival and neurological outcomes due to many aspects. This review explores the impact of age on ECPR effectiveness, emphasizing the need to consider age alongside other clinical factors in patient selection. Survival rates differ notably between in-hospital (IHCA) and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), highlighting the importance of rapid intervention. The potential of artificial intelligence to develop predictive models for ECPR outcomes is discussed, aiming to improve decision-making. Ethical considerations around age-based treatment decisions are also addressed. This review advocates for a balanced approach to ECPR, integrating clinical and ethical perspectives to optimize patient outcomes across all age groups.
Successful Conservative Treatment of Maternal Spontaneous Unilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage Causing Severe Anemia in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy—A Case Report
Authors: Skołozdrzy Tomasz , Wojciechowski Jan , Halczak Mirosław , Ciećwież Sylwester Michał , Ziętek Maciej , Romanowski Maciej
Published: September 2024

We present the case of a 32-year-old pregnant woman in the 32 + 3 weeks of pregnancy who presented to the hospital with an exacerbation of pain in the right flank. The diagnostic evaluation revealed the presence of severe anemia and a spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage (SAH) in the right adrenal gland. The patient was transferred to the Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic with the intention of undergoing preterm childbirth. However, the doctors made a risky decision to wait until week 37 and to terminate the pregnancy at that point. The decision was right, as a cesarean section was performed without complications, and the patient gave birth to a healthy child. Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage (SAH) is a rare condition, defined as spontaneous hemorrhage without trauma or anticoagulant therapy. Due to bleeding and damage to the adrenal cortex, SAH can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Because of its non-specific symptoms and potentially fatal outcomes for the patient and fetus, it should be considered during diagnostics.
Impact of Central Sensitization on Clinical and Functional Aspects of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Kaya Mehmet Nur , Tecer Duygu , Kılıç Özlem , Özgünen Merve Sungur , Yılmaz Sedat
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, spondylitis and psoriasis. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of central sensitization (CS) and its impact on the clinical and functional aspects of PsA. Methods: Adult patients with PsA according to the Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) criteria were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) was used to assess the presence of CS. The study evaluated the impact of CS on individuals by analyzing many factors including demographic information, laboratory findings, clinical features, disease activity, quality of life, severity of sleeplessness, frequency of depression and anxiety. The patients were categorized into distinct groups based on the existence and intensity of CS, and a comparative analysis was conducted on their respective outcomes. Results: A total of 103 PsA patients with a mean age of 43.2 (SD: 6.7) years and including 42 (40.8%) males were included. The mean CSI score was 45.4 (SD: 15.1), and 67 (65.1%) patients had CS. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the variables Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) exhibit considerable predictive power in relation to the outcome variable CS (p < 0.05). PASI was observed as the most important variable in predicting CS (OR 9.70 95% CI: 1.52–62.21). Conclusions: CS has demonstrable efficacy in influencing laboratory, clinical, and functional markers among individuals with PsA. When assessing pain sensitivity in these patients, it is important to take into account the presence of CS.
Carbon Dioxide Adsorption over Activated Biocarbons Derived from Lemon Peel
Authors: Kiełbasa Karolina , Siemak Joanna , Sreńscek-Nazzal Joanna , Benaouda Bestani , Roy Banasri , Michalkiewicz Beata
Published: September 2024

The rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is approaching critical levels, posing a significant threat to life on Earth. Porous carbons derived from biobased materials, particularly waste byproducts, offer a viable solution for selective CO2 adsorption from large-scale industrial sources, potentially mitigating atmospheric CO2 emissions. In this study, we developed highly porous carbons from lemon peel waste through a two-step process, consisting of temperature pretreatment (500 °C) followed by chemical activation by KOH at 850 °C. The largest specific surface area (2821 m2/g), total pore volume (1.39 cm3/g), and micropore volume (0.70 cm3/g) were obtained at the highest KOH-to-carbon ratio of 4. In contrast, the sample activated with a KOH-to-carbon ratio of 2 demonstrated the greatest micropore distribution. This activated biocarbon exhibited superior CO2 adsorption capacity, reaching 5.69 mmol/g at 0 °C and 100 kPa. The remarkable adsorption performance can be attributed to the significant volume of micropores with diameters smaller than 0.859 nm. The Radke–Prausnitz equation, traditionally employed to model the adsorption equilibrium of organic compounds from liquid solutions, has been shown to be equally applicable for describing the gas–solid adsorption equilibrium. Furthermore, equations describing the temperature dependence of the Radke–Prausnitz equation’s parameters have been developed.
Breaking New Ground towards Innovative Synthesis of Palladacycles: The Electrochemical Synthesis of a Tetranuclear Thiosemicarbazone-[C,N,S] Palladium(II) Complex
Authors: Durán-Carril María L. , Fidalgo-Brandón José Ignacio , Lombao-Rodríguez David , Munín-Cruz Paula , Reigosa Francisco , Vila José M.
Published: September 2024

The electrochemical oxidation of anodic metals (M = nickel and palladium) in an acetonitrile solution of the thiosemicarbazone ligands (E)-2-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene)-N-methylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide (a), (E)-2-(1-(p-tolyl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (b), and (E)-N-phenyl-2-(1-(p-tolyl)ethylidene)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (c) yielded the homoleptic complexes [ML2], 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2c and [M4L4], 2a as air-stable solids. The crystal structures for 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2c show the ligands in a transoid disposition with the [S,S] and [N,N] donor atom pairs occupying cis positions on the nearly square planar coordination plane of the metal. The structure for 2a of S4 symmetry comprises a tetranuclear palladacycle where the metalated ligands are arranged around a central Pd4S4 environment: a crown ring with alternating palladium and sulfur atoms. The latter complex is the first example of an electrochemical preparation of a cyclometalated palladium compound, marking a milestone in the chemistry of such species. The compounds have been fully characterized by elemental microanalysis, mass spectrometry, infrared (IR), and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra.
Antibacterial and Anticorrosive Hydrogel Coating Based on Complementary Functions of Sodium Alginate and g-C3N4
Authors: Hu Zishuai , Han Baochen , Li Jianhui , Liu Dan , Qi Jian
Published: September 2024

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4, CN) has emerged as a promising photocatalytic material due to its inherent stability, antibacterial properties, and eco-friendliness. However, its tendency to aggregate and limited dispersion hinder its efficacy in practical antibacterial applications. To address these limitations, this study focuses on developing a composite hydrogel coating, in which sodium alginate (SA) molecules interact electrostatically and through hydrogen bonding to anchor CN, thereby significantly improving its dispersion. The optimal CN loading of 35% results in a hydrogel with a tensile strength of 120 MPa and an antibacterial rate of 99.87% within 6 h. The enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to hydrogen bonding between the -NH2 groups of CN and the -OH groups of SA, while the -OH groups of SA facilitate the attraction of photogenerated holes from CN, promoting carrier transfer and separation, thereby strengthening the antibacterial action. Moreover, the hydrogel coating exhibits excellent antibacterial and corrosion resistance capabilities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on 316L stainless steel (316L SS), laying the foundation for advanced antimicrobial and anticorrosion hydrogel systems.
Cucurbitacin B and Its Derivatives: A Review of Progress in Biological Activities
Authors: Nie Wenzhe , Wang Yalan , Tian Xinlu , Liu Jinying , Jin Zhanhui , Xu Junjie , He Miaohai , Shen Qingkun , Guo Hongyan , Luan Tian
Published: September 2024

The emergence of natural products has provided extremely valuable references for the treatment of various diseases. Cucurbitacin B, a tetracyclic triterpenoid compound isolated from cucurbitaceae and other plants, is the most abundant member of the cucurbitin family and exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and even agricultural applications. Due to its high toxicity and narrow therapeutic window, structural modification and dosage form development are necessary to address these issues with cucurbitacin B. This paper reviews recent research progress in the pharmacological action, structural modification, and application of cucurbitacin B. This review aims to enhance understanding of advancements in this field and provide constructive suggestions for further research on cucurbitacin B.
Electrochemical Performance of Deposited LiPON Film/Lithium Electrode in Lithium—Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Riwei , Wang Chengzhong , Xiong Jinping
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a composed lithium phosphate (LiPON) solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film which was coated on a lithium electrode via an electrodeposit method in a lithium–sulfur battery, and the structure of the product was characterized through infrared spectrum (IR) analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), environment scanning electron microscope (ESEM), etc. Meanwhile, the electrochemical impedance spectrum and the interface stability of the lithium electrode with the LiPON film was analyzed, while the coulomb efficiency and the cycle life of the lithium electrode with the LiPON film in the lithium–sulfur battery were also studied. It was found that this kind of film can effectively inhibit the charge from transferring at the interface between the electrode and the solution, which can produce a more stable interface impedance on the electrode, thereby improving the interface contact with the electrolyte, and effectively improve the discharge performance, cycle life, and the coulomb efficiency of the lithium–sulfur battery. This is of great significance for the further development of solid electrolyte facial mask technology for lithium–sulfur batteries.
CO2-Free On-Stage Incubator for Live Cell Imaging of Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Migration on Microfluidic Device
Authors: Din Shahab Ud , Ounjai Puey , Chairoungdua Arthit , Surareungchai Werasak
Published: September 2024

Long-term live cell imaging requires sophisticated and fully automated commercial-stage incubators equipped with specified inverted microscopes to regulate temperature, CO2 content, and humidity. In this study, we present a CO2-free on-stage incubator specifically designed for use across various cell culture platforms, enabling live cell imaging applications. A simple and transparent incubator was fabricated from acrylic sheets to be easily placed on the stages of most inverted microscopes. We successfully performed live-cell imaging of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells and HeLa cell dynamics in both 2D and 3D microenvironments over three days. We also analyzed directed cell migration under high serum induction within a microfluidic device. Interesting phenomena such as “whole-colony migration”, “novel type of collective cell migration” and “colony formation during cell and colony migration” are reported here for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. These phenomena may improve our understanding of the nature of cell migration and cancer metastasis.
A Multispecies Interaction Design Approach: Introducing the Beings Activities Context Technologies (BACT) Framework
Authors: Chamaidi Theodora , Stavrakis Modestos
Published: September 2024

For years, design has been focused on human needs, creating human-centred solutions and often neglecting the existence or the impact that design can have on other species. As designers shift from that traditional anthropocentric approach to adopting design practices that include other species’ perspectives in the process, there is a growing need for practices capable of providing designers with the right tools to understand non-human needs and design for their inclusion. For this reason, the Beings Activities Context Technologies (BACT) framework is proposed as a theoretical means to support the shift to a more multispecies-oriented approach, expanding the anthropocentric Benyon’s People Activities Contexts Technologies (PACT) framework. The methodological implications of the framework have been explored in a case study design project focused on the development of a wearable device designed to support beekeepers during their work. The case study explored the design by taking into consideration both the needs of humans and animals in the context of beekeeping while analysing their interactions in depth. Through this framework, we seek to contribute to the more-than-human turn in interaction design and aid designers in expanding their considerations beyond the person–technology relationship.
New Generation of Hybrid Pyrazole–Tetrazole Tetrapodal Compounds: Synthesis and Biological Activities
Authors: Amanchar Malika , Harit Tarik , Cherfi Mounir , Idrissi Yahyaoui Meryem , Daoudi Nour Elhouda , Yahyi Abderrahmane , Asehraou Abdeslam , Malek Fouad
Published: September 2024

The elaboration of a new family of tetrapodal molecules L1–L3 bearing two pyrazole–tetrazole units is presented. The structure assigned to such molecules was verified by various techniques, including FTIR, NMR, HRMS and elemental analysis. The ability of these tetrapods to inhibit the growth of four fungal strains was examined, and the obtained results showed that they have some antifungal potency in the range of 12–16 mm. The alpha-amylase inhibition activity of these molecules was also evaluated. The obtained IC50 values (1.34 × 10−1–1.2 × 10−2 mg/mL) demonstrated that all compounds are potent enough to inhibit this enzyme much better than the positive control acarbose (2.6 × 10−1 mg/mL). A docking study on the porcine alpha-amylase was performed, and the results were in good correlation with the experimental results.
Genomic Analyses of Methicillin-Susceptible and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Strains Involved in Canine Infections: A Comprehensive Genotypic Characterization
Authors: da Silva Maria Eduarda Rocha Jacques , Breyer Gabriela Merker , da Costa Mateus Matiuzzi , Brenig Bertram , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho , Cardoso Marisa Ribeiro de Itapema , Siqueira Franciele Maboni
Published: September 2024

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is frequently associated with several bacterial infections in dogs, highlighting a One Health concern due to the zoonotic potential. Given the clinical significance of this pathogen, we performed comprehensive genomic analyses of 28 S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from canine infections throughout whole-genome sequencing using Illumina HiSeq, and compared the genetic features between S. pseudintermedius methicillin-resistant (MRSP) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSP) strains. Our analyses determined that MRSP genomes are larger than MSSP strains, with significant changes in antimicrobial resistance genes and virulent markers, suggesting differences in the pathogenicity of MRSP and MSSP strains. In addition, the pangenome analysis of S. pseudintermedius from canine and human origins identified core and accessory genomes with 1847 and 3037 genes, respectively, which indicates that most of the S. pseudintermedius genome is highly variable. Furthermore, phylogenomic analysis clearly separated MRSP from MSSP strains, despite their infection sites, showing phylogenetic differences according to methicillin susceptibility. Altogether our findings underscore the importance of studying the evolutionary dynamics of S. pseudintermedius, which is crucial for the development of effective prevention and control strategies of resistant S. pseudintermedius infections.
Multi-Population Analysis for Leaf and Neck Blast Reveals Novel Source of Neck Blast Resistance in Rice
Authors: Debnath Ashim , Sumpi Hage , Lap Bharati , Bhutia Karma L. , Behera Abhilash , Tyagi Wricha , Rai Mayank
Published: September 2024

Rice blast is one of the most devastating biotic stresses that limits rice productivity. The North Eastern Hill (NEH) region of India is considered to be one of the primary centres of diversity for both rice and pathotypes of Magnaporthe grisea. Therefore, the present study was carried out to elucidate the genetic basis of leaf and neck blast resistance under Meghalaya conditions. A set of 80 diverse genotypes (natural population) and 2 F2 populations involving resistant parent, a wildtype landrace, LR 5 (Lal Jangali) and susceptible genotypes Sambha Mahsuri SUB 1 (SMS) and LR 26 (Chakhao Poireiton) were used for association analysis of reported major gene-linked markers with leaf and neck blast resistance to identify major effective genes under local conditions. Genotyping using twenty-five gene-specific markers across diverse genotypes and F2 progenies revealed genes Pi5 and Pi54 to be associated with leaf blast resistance in all three populations. Genes Pib and qPbm showed an association with neck blast resistance in both natural and LR 5 × SMS populations. Additionally, a set of 184 genome-wide polymorphic markers (SSRs and SNPs), when applied to F2-resistant and F2-susceptible DNA bulks derived from LR 5 × LR 26, suggested that Pi20(t) on chromosome 12 is one of the major genes imparting disease resistance. Markers snpOS318, RM1337 and RM7102 and RM247 and snpOS316 were associated with leaf blast and neck blast resistance, respectively. The genotypes, markers and genes will help in marker-assisted selection and development of varieties with durable resistance.
Optimizing Automated Optical Inspection: An Adaptive Fusion and Semi-Supervised Self-Learning Approach for Elevated Accuracy and Efficiency in Scenarios with Scarce Labeled Data
Authors: Ni Yu-Shu , Chen Wei-Lun , Liu Yi , Wu Ming-Hsuan , Guo Jiun-In
Published: September 2024

In the field of automatic optical inspection (AOI), this study presents innovative strategies to enhance object detection accuracy while minimizing dependence on large annotated datasets. We initially developed a defect detection model using a dataset of 3579 images across 32 categories, created in collaboration with a major Taiwanese panel manufacturer. This model was evaluated using 12,000 ambiguously labeled images, with improvements achieved through data augmentation and annotation refinement. To address the challenges of limited labeled data, we proposed the Adaptive Fused Semi-Supervised Self-Learning (AFSL) method. This approach, designed for anchor-based object detection models, leverages a small set of labeled data alongside a larger pool of unlabeled data to enable continuous model optimization. Key components of AFSL include the Bounding Box Assigner, Adaptive Training Scheduler, and Data Allocator, which together facilitate dynamic threshold adjustments and balanced training, significantly enhancing the model’s performance on AOI datasets. The AFSL method improved the mean average precision (mAP) from 43.5% to 57.1% on the COCO dataset and by 2.6% on the AOI dataset, demonstrating its effectiveness in achieving high levels of precision and efficiency in AOI with minimal labeled data.
Remote and Proximal Sensors Data Fusion: Digital Twins in Irrigation Management Zoning
Authors: Rodrigues Hugo , Ceddia Marcos B. , Tassinari Wagner , Vasques Gustavo M. , Brandão Ziany N. , Morais João P. S. , Oliveira Ronaldo P. , Neves Matheus L. , Tavares Sílvio R. L.
Published: September 2024

The scientific field of precision agriculture employs increasingly innovative techniques to optimize inputs, maximize profitability, and reduce environmental impact. However, obtaining a high number of soil samples is challenging in order to make precision agriculture viable. There is a trade-off between the amount of data needed and the time and resources spent to obtain these data compared to the accuracy of the maps produced with more or fewer points. In the present study, the research was based on an exhaustive dataset of apparent electrical conductivity (aEC) containing 3906 points distributed along 26 transects with spacing between each of up to 40 m, measured by the proximal soil sensor EM38-MK2, for a grain-producing area of 72 ha in São Paulo, Brazil. A second sparse dataset was simulated, showing only four transects with a 400 m distance and, in the end, only 162 aEC points. The aEC map via ordinary kriging (OK) from the grid with 26 transects was considered the reference, and two other mapping approaches were used to map aEC via sparse grid: kriging with external drift (KED) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). These last two methods allow the increment of auxiliary variables, such as those obtained by remote sensors that present spatial resolution compatible with the pivot scale, such as data from the Landsat-8, Aster, and Sentinel-2 satellites, as well as ten terrain covariates derived from the Alos Palsar digital elevation model. The KED method, when used with the sparse dataset, showed a relatively good fit to the aEC data (R2 = 0.78), with moderate prediction accuracy (MAE = 1.26, RMSE = 1.62) and reasonable predictability (RPD = 1.76), outperforming the GWR method, which had the weakest performance (R2 = 0.57, MAE = 1.78, RMSE = 2.30, RPD = 0.81). The reference aEC map using the exhaustive dataset and OK showed the highest accuracy with an R2 of 0.97, no systematic bias (ME = 0), and excellent precision (RMSE = 0.56, RPD = 5.86). Management zones (MZs) derived from these maps were validated using soil texture data from clay samples measured at 0–10 cm depth in a grid of 72 points. The KED method demonstrated the highest potential for accurately defining MZs for irrigation, producing a map that closely resembled the reference MZ map, thereby providing reliable guidance for irrigation management.
The Validity of a Dual-Force Plate for Assessing Counter-Movement Jump Performance
Authors: Mao Chuangui , Li Ming , Li Xinglu , Li Zhengao , Liu Tao , Wang Liangsen , Zhu Wenfei , Chen Lixia , Sun Yuliang
Published: September 2024

The objective of this study was to assess the concurrent validity of the Kunwei force plate system in relation to variables during a counter-movement jump (CMJ) task, in comparison to the Kistler in-ground force plate system, which is considered the “gold standard”. Methods: In a single testing session, the Kunwei force plates were placed directly on top of the in-ground Kistler force plate. This allowed for the simultaneous collection of vertical ground reaction forces from 30 participants (male, age = 22.8 ± 2.8 years, body mass = 74.3 ± 12.3 kg, height 178.2 ± 4.6 cm) during CMJ tests. The consistency between force plate systems was assessed using ordinary least products regression (OLPR) with bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals and the Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Results: There was no fixed or proportional bias in the CMJ variables measured between the force plate systems. The variables exhibited a strong correlation across the force plates during the CMJ task (ICC > 0.950, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that there was no statistical difference between the Kunwei and Kistler force plate systems when evaluating common CMJ strategy and outcome variables, which are considered the gold standard. Hence, the Kunwei force plate can be regarded as a reliable substitute for the established industry benchmark in evaluating the force–time characteristics of the CMJ. Researchers, athletes, and coaches have the option to utilize this affordable and portable choice as a substitute for the more expensive laboratory-based force plate system. This alternative allows for the precise measurement of CMJ performance and force–time variables.
Monitoring the Dilution of Buffer Solutions with Different pH Values above and below Physiological pH in Very Small Volumes
Authors: Bhat Vinayak J. , Blaschke Daniel , Vegesna Sahitya V. , Burgold-Voigt Sindy , Müller Elke , Ehricht Ralf , Schmidt Heidemarie
Published: September 2024

The accurate determination of the post-dilution concentration of biological buffers is essential for retaining the necessary properties and effectiveness of the buffer to maintain stable cellular environments and optimal conditions for biochemical reactions. In this work, we introduce a silicon-based impedance chip, which offers a rapid and reagent-free approach for monitoring the buffer concentrations after dilution with deionized (DI) water. The impedance of the impedance chip is measured, and the impedance data are modeled using a multiparameter equivalent circuit model. We investigated six aqueous biological buffers with pH values above and below the physiological pH for most tissues (pH ~ 7.2–7.4) following dilution with DI water by factors of 2.0, 10.0, 20.0, 100.0, and 200.0. The impedance measurement is then performed for the frequency spectrum of 40 Hz to 1 MHz. From the interpretation of the impedance measurement using the multiparameter equivalent circuit model, we report a buffer-sensitive equivalent circuit parameter RAu/Si of the silicon-based impedance chip showing a linear trend on a logarithmic scale with the buffer concentration change after dilution. The parameter RAu/Si is independent of the buffer pH and the added volume. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the silicon-based impedance chip as a versatile tool for precise post-dilution concentration determination of diverse biologically relevant buffers. The presented impedance chip offers rapid, accurate, and reliable monitoring, making it highly suitable for integration into automated liquid-handling systems to enhance the efficiency and precision of biological and chemical processes.
Automated Room-Level Localisation Using Building Plan Information
Authors: Thorsager Mathias , Kroeyer Sune , Taha Adham , Melgaard Magnus , Anil Linette , Nielsen Jimmy , Madsen Tatiana
Published: September 2024

Building Management Systems (BMSs) are transitioning from utilising wired installations to wireless Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and actuators. This shift introduces the requirement of robust localisation methods which can link the installed sensors to the correct Control Units (CTUs) which will facilitate continued communication. In order to lessen the installation burden on the technicians, the installation process should be made more complicated by the localisation method. We propose an automated version of the fingerprinting-based localisation method which estimates the location of sensors with room-level accuracy. This approach can be used for initialisation and maintenance of BMSs without introducing additional manual labour from the technician installing the sensors. The method is extended to two proposed localisation methods which take advantage of knowledge present in the building plan regarding the distribution of sensors in each room to estimate the location of groups of sensors at the same time. Through tests using a simulation environment based on a Bluetooth-based measurement campaign, the proposed methods showed an improved accuracy from the baseline automated fingerprinting method. The results showed an error rate of 1 in 20 sensors (if the number of sensors per room is known) or as few as 1 per 200 sensors (if a group of sensors are deployed and detected together for one room at a time).
Doubly Robust Estimation and Semiparametric Efficiency in Generalized Partially Linear Models with Missing Outcomes
Authors: Wang Lu , Ouyang Zhongzhe , Lin Xihong
Published: September 2024

We investigate a semiparametric generalized partially linear regression model that accommodates missing outcomes, with some covariates modeled parametrically and others nonparametrically. We propose a class of augmented inverse probability weighted (AIPW) kernel–profile estimating equations. The nonparametric component is estimated using AIPW kernel estimating equations, while parametric regression coefficients are estimated using AIPW profile estimating equations. We demonstrate the doubly robust nature of the AIPW estimators for both nonparametric and parametric components. Specifically, these estimators remain consistent if either the assumed model for the probability of missing data or that for the conditional mean of the outcome, given covariates and auxiliary variables, is correctly specified, though not necessarily both simultaneously. Additionally, the AIPW profile estimator for parametric regression coefficients is consistent and asymptotically normal under the semiparametric model defined by the generalized partially linear model on complete data, assuming that the missing data mechanism is missing at random. When both working models are correctly specified, this estimator achieves semiparametric efficiency, with its asymptotic variance reaching the efficiency bound. We validate our approach through simulations to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed estimators and apply the method to a study that investigates risk factors associated with myocardial ischemia.
Weighted Empirical Likelihood for Accelerated Life Model with Various Types of Censored Data
Authors: Ren Jian-Jian , Lyu Yiming
Published: September 2024

In analysis of survival data, the Accelerated Life Model (ALM) is one of the widely used semiparametric models, and we often encounter various types of censored survival data, such as right censored data, doubly censored data, interval censored data, partly interval-censored data, etc. For complicated types of censored data, the studies of statistical inferences on the ALM are very technical and challenging mathematically, thus up to now little work has been done. In this article, we extend the concept of weighted empirical likelihood (WEL) from univariate case to multivariate case, and we apply it to the ALM, which leads to an estimation approach, called weighted maximum likelihood estimator, as well as the WEL based confidence interval for the regression parameter. Our proposed procedures are applicable to various types of censored data under a unified framework, and some simulation results are presented.
The Integrated Violin-Box-Scatter (VBS) Plot to Visualize the Distribution of a Continuous Variable
Authors: Gerbing David W.
Published: September 2024

The histogram remains a widely used tool for visualization of the distribution of a continuous variable, despite the disruption of binning the underlying continuity into somewhat arbitrarily sized discrete intervals imposed by the simplicity of its pre-computer origins. Alternatives include three visualizations, namely a smoothed density distribution such as a violin plot, a box plot, and the direct visualization of the individual data values as a one-dimensional scatter plot. To promote ease of use, the plotting function discussed in this work, Plot(x), automatically integrates these three visualizations of a continuous variable x into what is called a VBS plot here, tuning the resulting plot to the sample size and discreteness of the data. This integration complements the information derived from the histogram well and more easily generalizes to a multi-panel presentation at each level of a second categorical variable.
Magnetic Resonance-Guided Cancer Therapy Radiomics and Machine Learning Models for Response Prediction
Authors: Fajemisin Jesutofunmi Ayo , Gonzalez Glebys , Rosenberg Stephen A. , Ullah Ghanim , Redler Gage , Latifi Kujtim , Moros Eduardo G. , El Naqa Issam
Published: September 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is known for its accurate soft tissue delineation of tumors and normal tissues. This development has significantly impacted the imaging and treatment of cancers. Radiomics is the process of extracting high-dimensional features from medical images. Several studies have shown that these extracted features may be used to build machine-learning models for the prediction of treatment outcomes of cancer patients. Various feature selection techniques and machine models interrogate the relevant radiomics features for predicting cancer treatment outcomes. This study aims to provide an overview of MRI radiomics features used in predicting clinical treatment outcomes with machine learning techniques. The review includes examples from different disease sites. It will also discuss the impact of magnetic field strength, sample size, and other characteristics on outcome prediction performance.
Plantas medicinales de la Amazonía ecuatoriana con actividad antibacteriana: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Sillagana Verdezoto Cristian
Published: September 2024

La creciente resistencia bacteriana a los antibióticos comerciales resalta la necesidad de descubrir nuevos agentes antimicrobianos. Las plantas medicinales de la Amazonía ecuatoriana, con sus diversas moléculas bioactivas, representan una fuente prometedora de compuestos que podrían enfrentar esta problemática. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo analizar la información científica publicada sobre plantas medicinales de la región amazónica ecuatoriana con propiedades antibacterianas durante el período 2014-2024 a través de una revisión sistemática. Se realizó una búsqueda avanzada en las bases PudMed, Science Direct y Red de Repositorio de Acesso Abierto del Ecuador, siguiendo las directrices PRISMA (por sus siglas en inglés, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) para el tamizaje de los artículos. Se identificaron nueve artículos que reportan 12 familias botánicas divididas en 18 especies recolectadas en las provincias de Pastaza, Morona Santiago, Zamora Chinchipe y Sucumbios. Los aceites esenciales de Piper augustum, Piper leticianum y Hedychium coronarium resultaron ser los extractos más bioactivos en está revisión presentaron una concentración mínima inhbitoria de 0,18 mg/mL frente a Streptococcus mutans. Los compuestos activos incluyen terpenos, alcaloides y compuestos fenólicos, destacando la compleja química de estas plantas, la cual contribuye a su potente actividad antimicrobiana. Esta revisión sistemática resalta el potencial prometedor de las plantas medicinales amazónicas como fuentes de compuestos antibacterianos. Es necesario seguir investigando para caracterizar completamenta las propiedades antimicrobianas de estas plantas, así como para comprender sus mecanismos de acción y su aplicación clínica.
Análisis jurídico de la plataforma Airbnb y su regulación: perspectiva desde el Derecho de Competencia
Authors: Amancha Chiluisa Linda de las Mercedes , Vilmonte Medina Jennifer Antonella , Valle Granda Adriana Brigitte , Porras Acosta Mayerli Dayana
Published: September 2024

La presente investigación analiza el impacto de la economía colaborativa, centrándose en la regulación de plataformas como Airbnb en Ecuador y Colombia. Se destaca el crecimiento del turismo colaborativo, que permite a los propietarios alquilar habitaciones a precios más accesibles, pero también genera competencia desleal hacia el sector hotelero tradicional, que enfrenta desafíos como la evasión fiscal y la falta de cumplimiento de regulaciones por parte de muchos anfitriones. Esto no solo afecta la recaudación tributaria del Estado, sino que también pone en riesgo la seguridad de los turistas y deteriora la calidad del servicio en la industria hotelera. A nivel internacional, se presentan ejemplos de regulaciones implementadas en países como Estados Unidos, Puerto Rico, Colombia y Chile, que buscan equilibrar la innovación en el alojamiento con la protección de los derechos de los consumidores. En Ecuador, el Acuerdo Ministerial Nro. 2023-011 representa un avance hacia la formalización de los alojamientos informales, aunque se requiere un enfoque más integral que contemple tanto la regulación de la oferta como la promoción de prácticas tributarias responsables. Es fundamental que las autoridades ecuatorianas desarrollen un marco regulatorio que garantice una competencia justa y equitativa en el sector turístico, protegiendo así los intereses económicos del país y los derechos de los consumidores.
STRATEGI LANGSUNG DAN TIDAK LANGSUNG DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM
Authors: . Rahmat , Khoiriyah Maulidatul
Published: September 2024

Pendidikan Agama Islam (PAI) merupakan penyebutan mata pelajaran agama Islam di sekolah. Adapun cakupan mata pelajaran pendidikan agama Islam itu sendiri adalah mencakup materi ajar mulai dari Al-Qur’an Hadis, Aqidah Akhlak, Fiqh, dan Sejarah Kebudayaan Islam. Mendapati cakupan ini maka dapat diasumsikan bahwa pembelajaran pendidikan agama Islam bertujuan untuk memberikan pemahaman, kemampuan dan sikap beragama kepada siswa di sekolah. Hal ini mengindikasikan bahwa pembelajaran pendidikan agama Islam tidak hanya melakukan transfer pengetahuan namun secara visioner pendidikan agama Islam menekankan kepada transfer values (nilai-nilai) Islam. Namun sangat disayangkan, pada praktiknya pembelajaran pendidikan agama Islam diajarkan tanpa menggunakan strategi yang jitu. Pemilihan dan pemanfaatan strategi sebagai siasat dalam suatu pembelajaran akan sangat menentukan tahapan berikutnya sehingga capaian pembelajaran pendidikan agama Islam tersebut dapat diraih oleh siswa. oleh karenanya seorang guru semestinya dalam mengawali pembelajarannya mampu memilih strategi yang tepat. Sedangkan metode yang dimanfaatkan dalam penelitian ini adalah menggunakan jenis kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kepustakaan. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa strategi langsung serta strategi tidak langsung dapat menjadi inspirasi guru dalam pembelajaran pendidikan agama Islam. 1) Strategi langsung meliputi, a) Strategi dril, b) Strategi peta konsep, dan c) Strategi dan 2) Strategi tidak langsung diantaranya, a) Strategi rileksasi, b) Strategi penggunaan musik, dan c) Strategi humor
Kata Kunci: Strategi Langsung, Strategi Tidak Langsung, Pendidikan Agama Islam
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF ISE IN DA’WAH ACTIVITIES IN EGGONLAND
Authors: Sule Mohammed Maga
Published: September 2024

This paper documents and also assess the different method employed by ISE for its Da’wah Activities in Eggonland. The study highlight the Da’wah approaches and methodology of Islamic Society of Eggonland and its contributions. The study also found that the coming of ISE with modern Da’wah train, a different Da’wah to proselytize Islam and its beauty to people of Eggonland and the wider world through its various humanitarian programmes that are geared towards building the Ummah is yielding result. It is a successful of because in its humanitarian programme people are equally treated irrespective of their religion. The study adopted Survey method using primary sources, where interview and observation were to obtain data on the Da’wah activities of the ISE. This research is expected to become a model for the development of Da’wah in a multi-religious society. The findings are essential for Islamic Da’wah organizations to redesign and formulate various modern Da’wah programmes in order to ensure improved way to engage the people.
DEMOKRASI DALAM PEMIKIRAN NURCHOLISH MADJID
Authors: Faqihuddin Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Demokrasi adalah sebuah hasil pemikiran filosof Barat yang mengandung nilai universalisme dan humanisme yang dipahami sebagai ekspresi kebebasan yang disisi lain memiliki variasi definisi dalam aplikasinya atau dalam pelaksanaannya di setiap negara. Dalam prakteknya, demokrasi sebagai cara dan proses menyebabkan prinsip demokrasi sangat beragam dari satu negara ke negara lain. Negara-negara yang demokrasinya paling mapan saat ini berbeda dengan kesan sepintas kita dapati negara yang berbentuk kerajaan, yaitu Inggris, Belgia, Belanda, Swedia, Norwegia, Denmark, Luxemburg, Australia, dan Selandia Baru yang mengakui kerajaan Inggris Raya sebagai kepala negaranya masing-masing, serta beberapa negara yang berbentuk republik yang sangat stabil misalnya Swiss, Irlandia, dan Amerika Serikat, Jepang dan India adalah negara-negara demokratis yang mapan, dan Jepang merupakan salah satu negara bukan Barat yang demokratis dan sekaligus sebagai negara industri maju. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian pustaka (Libary research). Hasil peelitian ini disumpulkan bahwa:    Demokrasi penting dipandang sebagai suatu hasil akhir bersifat formal dan struktural. Demokrasi akan terbuka terhadap kemungkinan proses coba-coba dan salah atau trial and error. Pada umumnya demokrasi memang sering ribut, akan tetapi jarang tidak stabil, rakyat mungkin marah, berteriak, menantang, dalam sejarahnya menujukkan dalam masyarakat kompleks dan maju pemerintahan demokratis.
PERKEMBANGAN STUDI ISLAM DI INDONESIA
Authors: Choli Ifham , Rahma Etika Nailur
Published: September 2024

Islam sebagai agama samawi mempunyai nilai kesempurnaan baik duniawi maupun ukhrawi yang bertujuan untuk mewujudkan kebahagiaan lahir dan batin serta dunia akhirat. Studi Islam merupakan kajian secara sistematis dan terpadu untuk mengetahui, memahami dan menganalisis secara mendalam hal-hal yang berkaitan dengan agama Islam, baik yang menyangkut sumber-sumber ajaran Islam, pokok-pokok ajaran Islam, sejarah Islam, maupun realitas pelaksanaannya dalam kehidupan. Untuk memahami lebih lanjut mengenai perkembangan studi Islam di Indonesia, melalui penelitian kepustakaan dicoba dikaji. Dari hasil kajian pustaka disimpulakn bahwa perkembangan studi Islam di Indonesia lebih difokuskan pada fenomena Studi Islam secara formal. Adapun arah dan tujuan Studi Islam adalah untuk mempelajari secara mendalam tentang hakekat agama Islam, untuk mempelajari secara mendalam sumber dasar ajaran agama Islam yang tetap abadi dan dinamis, serta untuk mempelajari secara mendalam prinsip-prinsip dan nilai-nilai dasar ajaran agama Islam. Tujuan utama dalam studi Islam adalah agar manusia memiliki gambaran tentang Islam yang jelas, utuh, dan menyeluruh
Gender Equality and Work-life Balance in the Digital Era: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Owusu Evelyn Kumah Osei
Published: September 2024

The impact of digitalisation on work-life balance stemming from flexible working arrangements, which have blurred the boundaries between one’s profession and personal space, has heightened in the face of modern technological advancements. Unlike males, females are the most disadvantaged when it comes to gender norms and formulation of institutional policies as most of the existing policies have been clearly oriented on men as compared to women. The study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the relationship among evidence regarding gender equality and work-life balance in the era of digitalisation. VOSviewer is used to present data obtained from the Scopus database. Articles retrieved were critically appraised and presented in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart. The study finds that the number of publications on the topic of gender equality, work-life balance, and digitalisation has seen a steady increase (47 in 2023 from 4 in 2017). The West and Europe dominate when it comes to contributions made to publications on digitalisation, gender equality, and work-life balance, only one paper is from South Africa and there are no publications contributed from Ghana. The study further reveals that though Germany has the highest number of publications, the United Kingdom and the United States have the highest collaboration and impact (citations). This indicates the gap in literature requiring empirical research on the effect of digitalisation on gender equality and work-life balance in the Ghanaian and developing countries context.
Formulário de seguimento farmacoterapêutico em pacientes adultos com Linfoma de Hodgkin em uso de Brentuximabe vedotina
Authors: Sobral Bianca Cruz , Menezes Cleide Silva , Nakata Juliana dos Santos Freitas , Oliveira Vanice Santos de , Santana Claudinei Alves
Published: September 2024

Introdução. O linfoma de Hodgkin (LH), assim chamado porque foi descrito pela primeira vez, em 1832, por Thomas Hodgkin, define-se como uma neoplasia do tecido linfoide caracterizada pela presença de células de Reed-Sternberg, células de Hodgkin e por expressar o antígeno CD30 na sua superfície. Tem maior incidência em adolescentes e adultos jovens, sendo mais frequente no sexo masculino. Embora, tenha uma alta taxa de cura, muitos pacientes são diagnosticados em estágios avançados (III, IV), tendo, portanto, apresentado maior chance de serem refratários. Entre os tratamentos, para pacientes com doença refratária ou recaída, vem se destacando o Brentuximabe vedotina, um potente anticorpo monoclonal, que pode aumentar a sobrevida geral e a sobrevivência livre de progressão de pacientes com LH, suas toxicidades são de fácil controle, exceto a neuropatia periférica cumulativa que constitui uma atenção importante. Objetivo. Elaborar formulário de seguimento farmacoterapêutico para o farmacêutico clínico em oncologia com a finalidade de identificar e realizar intervenções nas reações adversas e toxicidades do Brentuximabe vedotina em pacientes com Linfoma de Hodgkin. Metodologia. Foi realizado busca nas bases de dados Google Acadêmico, Scielo, PubMed, Uptodate com os termos brentuximabe vedotina, linfoma de hodgkin, reações adversas, neuropatia periférica e seguimento farmacoterapêutico em português. Resultado e discussão. A partir da literatura encontrada, foi elaborado o formulário com 8 tópicos obrigatórios para identificação e realização das intervenções farmacêuticas. Conclusão. O formulário apresenta-se como uma ferramenta importante para segurança do paciente no seguimento pelo farmacêutico clínico oncológico em terapia oncológica.