bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting the experiences of persons with disabilities and social workers in Nigerian care institutions regarding COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a qualitative descriptive-interpretive design
Authors: Rahman Farah Naz , Iwuagwu Anthony Obinna , Ngwu Christopher Ndubuisi , Kalu Michael Ebe , Kasherwa Amani , Chowdhury Mohammad Rocky Khan , Kader Manzur
Published: October 2024

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, persons with disabilities (PWDs) have faced additional disadvantages that have exacerbated their physical and mental health challenges. In Nigeria, where cultural, religious, and informational barriers persist, understanding these factors is critical for improving health interventions, including vaccine uptake among PWDs.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative descriptive-interpretive design to explore the perceptions of PWDs regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine, alongside social workers’ views on their roles in facilitating vaccine uptake. We conducted in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews with 20 participants, comprising 16 PWDs and four social workers in Nigerian rehabilitation homes. Data were analyzed using critical thematic analysis to identify key themes influencing attitudes toward the pandemic and vaccine uptake.

Results

The study uncovered significant barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake among PWDs, primarily driven by mistrust in government initiatives, widespread conspiracy theories, and deeply held cultural and religious beliefs. Additionally, while social workers played crucial roles as community surveillance officers, in-house educators, and community referral agents, their interventions lacked specific strategies aimed at increasing vaccine uptake among PWDs. Their efforts were more focused on addressing the psychological impacts of the pandemic rather than fostering behavioral changes toward vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion

To enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake among PWDs in Nigerian rehabilitation homes, targeted interventions that address the identified barriers are essential. These should include trust-building measures, culturally and religiously sensitive communication strategies, and tailored educational programs by social workers. Moreover, training social workers in specific, evidence-based strategies to increase vaccine uptake is crucial for mitigating the pandemic’s impact on this vulnerable population.
Thinking orientation and overconfidence: a newsvendor study
Authors: Wiesner Julian , Đula Ivan , Größler Andreas
Published: October 2024

This study uses the newsvendor problem to investigate the correlations between thinking orientation, overconfidence, and economic outcome. We aim to shed light on possible interconnections between these variables and extend the existing conceptual models of thinking orientation and overconfidence. To test the conceptual model and the corresponding hypotheses empirically, we employed a laboratory experiment with 50 hypothetical decision periods in which 142 participants ordered a highly profitable product. We found compelling evidence that suggests overprecision as the mediating variable between thinking orientation and the economic outcome. Furthermore, this research offers some practical implications.
Determinants of commercialization among onion producer households in southern Ethiopia: a double hurdle approach
Authors: Wondim Melkamu Tilaye , Geyo Guta Bukero
Published: October 2024

This study examined the determinants of onion commercialization of smallholder farmers in the Wolayita and Gomo zones of southern Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 160 onion producers by using a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and the double-hurdle econometric model were employed in the analysis. The descriptive statistics indicated that the mean commercialization level of smallholder farmers in the study area was 79.51%, highlighting that onion producers in this region primarily focus on marketing their produce. Using the econometric model the first-stage double hurdle results revealed that family size, farming experience, frequency of extension contacts, and distance to the nearest market were factors significantly affecting the market participation decision of onion producers. The second stage of the double hurdle results indicates that education level, family size, frequency of extension contacts, land size allotted for onion production, and distance to the nearest market were factors that significantly affected the level of onion commercialization. Therefore, policies aimed at increasing farmers' access to better road networks and transportation facilities, improving access to education, promoting agricultural training programs, and improving extension services are recommended to improve the commercialization of onion production.
Phage communities in household-related biofilms correlate with bacterial hosts
Authors: Huttelmaier Stefanie , Shuai Weitao , Sumner Jack T. , Hartmann Erica M.
Published: October 2024

The average American spends 93% of their time in built environments, almost 70% of that is in their place of residence. Human health and well-being are intrinsically tied to the quality of our personal environments and the microbiomes that populate them. Conversely, the built environment microbiome is seeded, formed, and re-shaped by occupant behavior, cleaning, personal hygiene and food choices, as well as geographic location and variability in infrastructure. Here, we focus on the presence of viruses in household biofilms, specifically in showerheads and on toothbrushes. Bacteriophage, viruses that infect bacteria with high host specificity, have been shown to drive microbial community structure and function through host infection and horizontal gene transfer in environmental systems. Due to the dynamic environment, with extreme temperature changes, periods of wetting/drying and exposure to hygiene/cleaning products, in addition to low biomass and transient nature of indoor microbiomes, we hypothesize that phage host infection in these unique built environments are different from environmental biofilm interactions. We approach the hypothesis using metagenomics, querying 34 toothbrush and 92 showerhead metagenomes. Representative of biofilms in the built environment, these interfaces demonstrate distinct levels of occupant interaction. We identified 22 complete, 232 high quality, and 362 medium quality viral OTUs. Viral community richness correlated with bacterial richness but not Shannon or Simpson indices. Of quality viral OTUs with sufficient coverage (614), 532 were connected with 32 bacterial families, of which only Sphingomonadaceae, Burkholderiaceae, and Caulobacteraceae are found in both toothbrushes and showerheads. Low average nucleotide identity to reference sequences and a high proportion of open reading frames annotated as hypothetical or unknown indicate that these environments harbor many novel and uncharacterized phage. The results of this study reveal the paucity of information available on bacteriophage in indoor environments and indicate a need for more virus-focused methods for DNA extraction and specific sequencing aimed at understanding viral impact on the microbiome in the built environment.
Humanoid patient robot for diagnostic training in medical and psychiatric education
Authors: Schwarz Patricia , Hellmers Sandra , Spanknebel Sebastian , Hurlemann Rene , Hein Andreas
Published: October 2024

Simulation-based learning is an integral part of hands-on learning and is often done through role-playing games or patients simulated by professional actors. In this article, we present the use of a humanoid robot as a simulation patient for the presentation of disease symptoms in the setting of medical education. In a study, 12 participants watched both the patient simulation by the robotic patient and the video with the actor patient. We asked participants about their subjective impressions of the robotic patient simulation compared to the video with the human actor patient using a self-developed questionnaire. In addition, we used the Affinity for Technology Interaction Scale. The evaluation of the questionnaire provided insights into whether the robot was able to realistically represent the patient which features still need to be improved, and whether the robot patient simulation was accepted by the participants as a learning method. Sixty-seven percent of the participants indicated that they would use the robot as a training opportunity in addition to the videos with acting patients. The majority of participants indicated that they found it very beneficial to have the robot repeat the case studies at their own pace.
Talking body: the effect of body and voice anthropomorphism on perception of social agents
Authors: Haresamudram Kashyap , Torre Ilaria , Behling Magnus , Wagner Christoph , Larsson Stefan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

In human-agent interaction, trust is often measured using human-trust constructs such as competence, benevolence, and integrity, however, it is unclear whether technology-trust constructs such as functionality, helpfulness, and reliability are more suitable. There is also evidence that perception of “humanness” measured through anthropomorphism varies based on the characteristics of the agent, but dimensions of anthropomorphism are not highlighted in empirical studies.

Methods

In order to study how different embodiments and qualities of speech of agents influence type of trust and dimensions of anthropomorphism in perception of the agent, we conducted an experiment using two agent “bodies”, a speaker and robot, employing four levels of “humanness of voice”, and measured perception of the agent using human-trust, technology-trust, and Godspeed series questionnaires.

Results

We found that the agents elicit both human and technology conceptions of trust with no significant difference, that differences in body and voice of an agent have no significant impact on trust, even though body and voice are both independently significant in anthropomorphism perception.

Discussion

Interestingly, the results indicate that voice may be a stronger characteristic in influencing the perception of agents (not relating to trust) than physical appearance or body. We discuss the implications of our findings for research on human-agent interaction and highlight future research areas.
What happens when tourism is turned off: Exploring the outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions for Indigenous people in Rarotonga, The Cook Islands
Authors: Teaurere Rerekura , De Waegh Roxane
Published: October 2024

The sea, sand, and sun allure of the Cook Islands has seen tourism become the most significant driver of the country's economic development. However, the increasing reliance on the tourism sector since the 1980's has created a mono-economy at the expense of diversification and alternative economic models. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the risks and consequences associated with an over- reliance on international tourism as the lockdown measures and international travel restrictions caused the sudden shutdown of international tourism, resulting in serious negative economic consequences for tourism-dependent communities. However, the pandemic also offered an opportunity for small island societies to reflect on pre-existing challenges associated with the tourism industry. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with Indigenous Cook Islanders in Rarotonga, this study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of how the lived experiences of participants responding to the sudden collapse of tourism may have influenced how Indigenous Cook Islands peoples perceive the role of tourism in supporting the wellbeing of their small island nation. The presented study is the result of a collaborative research partnership between an Indigenous Pacific scholar and non-Indigenous European scholar. While the research adopted a western methodology, the relationships developed between the researchers and participants were guided by the cultural values of reciprocity and respect, which are key principles underpinning Indigenous research in the Pacific. The findings revealed that participants adapted to the adverse impacts of COVID-19 through the revitalization of their traditional socio-economies, the resurgence of customary practices, a strengthened connection to nature, and a renewed sense of community spirit and pride in cultural identity—all of which were perceived to positively impact their spiritual, social, cultural, environmental, physical, and mental wellbeing. By demonstrating the positive adaptive responses of participants, this article aims to emphasize the non-economic dimensions of wellbeing that are critical to supporting the cultural values, social priorities, and the Indigenous ways of life that preceded the development of tourism. These findings can be used to inform and guide international development policy makers and tourism stakeholders who seek to reduce the adverse impacts of tourism on the wellbeing of Indigenous communities in the Pacific.
Can You Control Your Eating? A Study on Binge Eating in Teenagers
Authors: Savvopoulou Fay , Hackmack Marike , Jansen Pauline W. , Derks Ivonne P. M.
Published: October 2024

We all eat too many of our favorite snacks from time to time, but when does that become harmful? Eating lots uncontrollably, which is called binge eating, may cause feelings of shame afterwards. Binge eating involves both eating a lot within a short time and not being able to stop eating although you want to. Binge eating may result in eating disorders, which often develop in adolescence. Are some symptoms of binge eating more common than others? Why do some teenagers develop them while others do not? We discovered that 12.6% of teenagers experienced binge eating symptoms, with loss-of-control eating being the most common symptom. We found that teenagers who reported binge eating symptoms were also more likely to have more emotional and behavioral problems, be more dissatisfied with their bodies, eat more in response to negative emotions, eat less because of their weight, and have a higher body weight.
Reconsidering gender norms in childcare within Chinese migrant families in Portugal
Authors: Li Yaqun , Rabot Jean Martin , Costa Rosalina Pisco
Published: October 2024

Historically, Chinese societies have been characterized by patriarchal structures (Confucianism and filial piety) that assign distinct roles to men and women within the family unit. These norms typically dictate that women take on the primary responsibility for childcare and household duties, while men are expected to be the primary breadwinners. As the authors observe the second generation of Chinese immigrants settling in Portugal, the immigrants grapple with the significant challenge of striving to preserve cultural heritage with the adaptation to Western norms. Therefore, there is a growing recognition of the need to reassess these traditional gender norms. Women in these families are increasingly participating in the workforce, challenging the notion that childcare should be solely to their domain. This study focuses on the experiences of Chinese immigrants, including both married couples and single individuals residing in Portugal. Through qualitative research methods such as interviews (involving 25 participants) and observations, the research aims to gain a nuanced understanding of the attitude and engagement toward childcare, and the ways it differs between men and women in these immigrant families. Participants’ responses indicate that men’s anticipation of women dedicating more time to childcare is notably influenced by educational attainment and financial circumstances. Conversely, women generally believe that being exempt from labor is not a viable alternative irrespective of their educational qualifications. The traditional distribution of caregiving duties does not consistently apply to Chinese female immigrants. By exploring the influence of traditional Confucian culture on migrants’ perspectives and challenges in assuming parental responsibilities, this study highlights gender disparities among Chinese immigrants and propose solutions to address this gender conflict on division.
Feeding of bakery products as replacement of cereal grains alter fecal microbiome and improve feed efficiency in fattening pigs
Authors: Hartinger Kristina , Vötterl Julia C. , Koger Simone , Klinsoda Jutamat , Sharma Suchitra , Verhovsek Doris , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U.
Published: October 2024

The re-integration of former foodstuffs, such as bakery products (BP), into pig feed reduces the feed-food competition and increases the sustainability of pig production. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the altered fatty acid profile in BP compared to standard diets and their effects on meat quality and the intestinal microbiome. The present study investigated the effects of replacing 30% cereal grains with BP in the diet on performance, microbiome composition and metabolites in feces of fattening pigs, economic aspects and meat quality characteristics. A total of 132 pigs (Large White × Piétrain; 11 weeks of age) were fed two diets containing 0 or 30% BP until reaching slaughter weight in three replicate batches. Fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing after 6 weeks, whereas body fat samples were collected after 9 weeks on the diet. The results showed that BP can replace cereals in pig diets by up to 30% without impairing animal performance, while improving feed efficiency and reducing feed costs by 9% compared to the control. Additionally, pigs fed the BP diet had a 50%-higher n-3 fatty acid content in the neck and abdominal fat compared to the control. The improved feed efficiency in BP-fed pigs may be related to positive effects on the fecal microbiome, such as a higher alpha diversity and a reduction of fungi and yeasts. Our study provides valuable insights into the benefits of including BP in diets of fattening pigs, which should be investigated in future studies on other BP types.
Organic agriculture in Kyrgyzstan: experiences with implementing participatory guarantee systems
Authors: Taranov Igor , Kawabata Yoshiko
Published: October 2024

Organic farming plays a pivotal role in the recent initiative to develop a sustainable economy in the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan). Key national policy documents support a green agricultural development path and highlight the potential of organic agricultural production and exports. This study therefore elicited perspectives on organic farming from organic farmers and stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on the role of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in its promotion. Interviews held with these two groups revealed that, whereas organic farmers are primarily motivated by personal and family health concerns despite unfair market prices and insufficient governmental support, stakeholders prioritize environmental protection and view the inclusion of PGS in national legislation as a milestone in organic certification. Also, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has influenced farmers’ motivation for organic conversion owing to increased health concerns and food safety. The study’s findings highlight the potential of PGS to foster cooperation within local communities and familiarize farmers with organic principles and methods. PGS can be used as a framework to strengthen social and economic links within local farming communities and preserve traditional local knowledge and farming practices that are crucial for climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture. Moreover, PGS may be applied in business as a model for establishing collaboration with other sectors at both domestic and international levels. The findings underscore the significance of PGS in the sustainable development of organic farming in Kyrgyzstan. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and knowledge need to be addressed through the government’s increased involvement and through cooperation among actors within the organic sector. Overall, the PGS approach may be used by policymakers as a relevant and feasible tool for introducing organic principles within agricultural policies and disseminating organic practices across the country.
Effects of subsurface drip fertigation on potato growth, yield, and soil moisture dynamics
Authors: Zhao Guoqiang , Luo Xianxin , Wang Zhan , Sheng Gang , Liu Wei , Wang Yueming
Published: October 2024

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of subsurface drip fertigation (SDF) on soil moisture content, potato growth, and tuber yield in loam soils, and compare these results with conventional surface drip fertigation (CF). The focus was on determining whether SDF could improve water use efficiency and yield quality, particularly in water-scarce regions.

Methods

The experiment was conducted during the 2022 spring growing season in Xunyang, Ankang, Shaanxi Province, China. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used with three treatments: subsurface drip fertigation (SDF), conventional surface drip fertigation (CF), and a no-fertilization control (NF), with four replications per treatment. Soil moisture content at a 20 cm depth was monitored, and plant growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf color index, and chlorophyll fluorescence index were measured during the flowering and harvest stages. Tuber yield characteristics, including tuber diameter, number of tubers per plant, total yield, and marketable yield, were also assessed.

Important findings

The results indicated that subsurface drip fertigation significantly improved soil moisture content, with up to 45.5% higher moisture retention compared to conventional fertigation, particularly in the early stages of fertilization. This improved moisture availability led to enhanced plant growth and tuber development. Tuber diameter increased by 6.9 mm, and the number of tubers per plant increased by 18.1% under SDF. Marketable tuber yield was approximately 10% higher in the SDF treatment compared to CF. However, the study found that soil texture plays a critical role in the effectiveness of SDF, and further research is needed to explore its application in other soil types.
Comparison of tracheal diameter in non-brachycephalic versus brachycephalic dogs using manubrium and thoracic inlet tracheal indexes
Authors: Mostafa Ayman A. , McCutcheon Kaitlyn , Berry Clifford R.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Narrowed tracheal lumen diameter (TLD) in dogs caused by congenital hypoplasia or acquired tracheal stenosis can result in adverse health effects. Standardized tracheal scores calculated from radiographic measurements have been used to assess tracheal diameter however comparisons have not been made to characterize differences in tracheal lumen among breeds.

Methods

The main objective of this study was to compare tracheal scores at three regions of the trachea among non-brachycephalic dogs, non-bulldog brachycephalic dogs, and bulldogs. Medical records and thoracic radiographs of clinically normal dogs were reviewed. The TLDs 79 of three different tracheal regions (caudal cervical, thoracic inlet, and intrathoracic) were standardized by the manubrium length (ML) and thoracic inlet distance (Ti-D) to calculate the manubrium and thoracic inlet tracheal indexes (M-TI and Ti-TI) at each region. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the differences in tracheal scores among the three breed populations.

Results

Overall, M-TI and Ti-TI varied significantly (p < 0.0001) at the three tracheal levels among the three breed populations. Bulldogs and non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds possessed lower (p < 0.016) M-TI and Ti-TI than non-brachycephalic breeds at the three tracheal regions, and bulldogs possessed the lowest M-TI and Ti-TI scores at all measured regions.

Conclusion

Averaged M-TIs <0.38, <0.34, <0.32 in non-brachycephalic, non-bulldog brachycephalic, and bulldog breeds, respectively, may indicate tracheal hypoplasia. Utilizing M-TI can be recommended for the assessment of canine TLD however further investigation in dogs with concurrent respiratory diseases is warranted.
Investigation of the regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder on dairy cow fatty liver cells using a multi-omics approach
Authors: Li Chenlei , Wang Feifei , Ma Yanfen , Wang Wenjia , Guo Yansheng
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Fatty liver disease in dairy cows is a metabolic disorder that significantly affects their health and productivity, imposing a notable economic burden on the global dairy industry. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by its multi-component and multi-target features, has shown unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Guiqi Yimu Powder, a traditional TCM formula, enhances growth, boosts production efficiency, and strengthens immune function in livestock by regulating antioxidant along with anti-inflammatory pathways. However, its specific regulatory mechanisms on fatty liver in dairy cows remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the molecular-level effects and potential regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder in a Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) induced fatty liver cell model of dairy cows.

Methods

We employed a comprehensive analysis integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology. An in vitro dairy cow fatty liver cell model was established using TMAO to induce lipid accumulation. Cells were treated with the optimal TMAO concentration identified through preliminary experiments, and further divided into a lipid accumulation group and Guiqi Yimu Powder treatment groups. The treatment groups received varying concentrations of Guiqi Yimu Powder (10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 g/L). High-throughput omics sequencing technologies were utilized to perform a comprehensive analysis of the treated cells. Bioinformatics methods were applied to explore the regulatory effects, aiming to elucidate the specific impacts of Guiqi Yimu Powder on lipid metabolism, liver function, and related signaling pathways, thereby providing scientific evidence for its potential application in the prevention and treatment of fatty liver in dairy cows.

Results

Guiqi Yimu Powder treatment significantly affected 1,536 genes, 152 proteins, and 259 metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the significantly altered molecules are involved in multiple pathways related to the pathology of fatty liver, including metabolic pathways, glutathione metabolism, hepatitis B, and AMPK signaling pathway (p < 0.05). Notably, joint analysis highlighted the regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder on glutathione cycling, with L-5-Oxoproline identified as an important metabolic compound. These findings indicate its impact on oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and liver function, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for fatty liver in dairy cows.

Discussion

This study elucidated the regulatory mechanisms of Guiqi Yimu Powder on fatty liver cells in dairy cows, providing new scientific evidence for its potential application in the prevention and treatment of fatty liver disease.
Algorithmic Coverage Quantification and Visualization in Range-Free Sensor Networks
Authors: Zakynthinaki Maria S. , Barbounakis Ioannis S. , Antonidakis Emmanuel N.
Published: October 2024

This study introduces a novel method that addresses the challenge of visualizing and quantifying detection coverage areas in wireless sensor networks. The method involves projecting a network of range-free sensors and pre-existing transmitters, located within a predefined area of interest, onto a global coordinate system. Detection areas are defined as those covered by the sensing range of at least three sensors. Pre-existing transmitters located within the detection range of the sensors are assumed to degrade the networks’ performance by causing coverage gaps. Interactive satellite maps facilitate the dynamic exploration of coverage via the calculation and visualization of the resulting detection areas. The algorithmic structure of the proposed tool is explained in detail, and four example scenarios demonstrate the tool’s capabilities, as well as its flexibility, adaptability, and effectiveness in identifying the triangulated detection areas. Designed primarily as a geometry calculation and visualization tool that allows for the adjustment of sensor parameters such as locations, ranges, and angular ranges of detection, the proposed tool has the potential to enhance decision-making in sensor network configuration, prior to final sensor placement, across a wide range of applications.
Bionic Optimization Design and Fatigue Life Prediction of a Honeycomb-Structured Wheel Hub
Authors: Liu Na , Liu Xujie , Jiang Yueming , Liu Peng , Gao Yuanyuan , Ding Hang , Zhao Yujun
Published: October 2024

The wheel hub is an important component of the wheel, and a good hub design can significantly improve vehicle handling, stability, and braking performance, ensuring safe driving. This article optimized the hub structure through morphological aspects, where reducing the hub weight contributed to enhanced fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance. By referencing honeycombed structures, a bionic hub design is numerically simulated using finite element analysis and response surface optimization. The results showed that under the optimization of the response surface analytical model, the maximum stress of the optimized bionic hub was 109.34 MPa, compared to 119.77 MPa for the standard hub, representing an 8.7% reduction in maximum stress. The standard hub weighs 34.02 kg, while the optimized hub weight was reduced to 29.89 kg, a decrease of 12.13%. A fatigue analysis on the optimized hub indicated that at a stress of 109.34 MPa, the minimum load cycles were 4.217 × 105 at the connection point with the half-shaft, meeting the fatigue life requirements for commercial vehicle hubs outlined in the national standard GB/T 5334-2021.
A Systematic Review of Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Sensory Processing and Sensory Integration Approach
Authors: Camino-Alarcón Jonathan , Robles-Bello Maria Auxiliadora , Valencia-Naranjo Nieves , Sarhani-Robles Aziz
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing globally, necessitating updates to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders with respect to ASD diagnosis. It is now recognised that ASD is related to sensory processing disorder, and sensory integration is considered a suitable intervention for treating children diagnosed with ASD. Methods: This paper provides a systematic review on a timeline from 2013 to 2023, based on the PRISMA model. Evidence was sought in the academic search engines Pubmed, Scielo, Eric, Dialnet, Springer, Base Search and Google Scholar, which produced 16 articles according to the inclusion criteria. Results: According to the results of this review, intervention with sensory integration in infants with ASD meets the criteria to be considered an evidence-based practice. The studies reviewed focused mainly on clinical settings and, therefore, we highlight the urgent need for further research to evaluate the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions in naturalistic settings such as homes and schools. Conclusions: This will help to obtain more representative data on how these interventions affect the daily lives of children with ASD.
Safety and Efficacy of Using Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop Off-Label in an Infant Diagnosed with Permanent Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report and a Look to the Future
Authors: Pezzotta Federico , Sarale Nicola , Spacco Giordano , Tantari Giacomo , Bertelli Enrica , Bracciolini Giulia , Secco Andrea , d’Annunzio Giuseppe , Maghnie Mohamad , Minuto Nicola , Bassi Marta
Published: October 2024

The case report shows the safety and efficacy of insulin treatment with Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL) system in a young patient affected by permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM) due to chromosome 8 deletion syndrome involving the GATA4 gene. In the first days of life, he presented hyperglycaemia and started an intravenous insulin infusion therapy, replaced by a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with Medtronic Minimed 780G® insulin pump (Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA). At the age of 2 years, the off-label activation of SmartGuard® automated insulin delivery mode led to a great improvement in glycaemic control, reaching all recommended targets. At the 1-month follow-up visit, Time in Range (TIR) increased from 66% to 79%, with a Time in Tight Range (TTIR) of 55% and a reduction of 11% in time in hyperglycaemia and of 2% in time in hypoglycaemia. During the entire follow-up, no episodes of ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycaemia were observed and the patient maintained the glycaemic recommended targets reached at 1 month. Maintaining optimal glycaemic control and reducing hyperglycaemia are essential for brain growth and neurocognitive development in young patients. AHCL use should be considered to ensure good glycaemic control in patients affected by neonatal diabetes.
A Comprehensive Survey of Drones for Turfgrass Monitoring
Authors: Parra Lorena , Ahmad Ali , Zaragoza-Esquerdo Miguel , Ivars-Palomares Alberto , Sendra Sandra , Lloret Jaime
Published: October 2024

Drones are being used for agriculture monitoring in many different crops. Nevertheless, the use of drones for green areas’ evaluation is limited, and information is scattered. In this survey, we focus on the collection and evaluation of existing experiences of using drones for turfgrass monitoring. Despite a large number of initial search results, after filtering the information, very few papers have been found that report the use of drones in green areas. Several aspects of drone use, the monitored areas, and the additional ground-based devices for information monitoring are compared and evaluated. The data obtained are first analysed in a general way and then divided into three groups of papers according to their application: irrigation, fertilisation, and others. The main results of this paper indicate that despite the diversity of drones on the market, most of the researchers are using the same drone. Two options for using cameras in order to obtain infrared information were identified. Moreover, differences in the way that drones are used for monitoring turfgrass depending on the aspect of the area being monitored have been identified. Finally, we have indicated the current gaps in order to provide a comprehensive view of the existing situation and elucidate future trends of drone use in turfgrass management.
Online Pedagogical Training during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Responses, Challenges, and Contributions
Authors: Gribiea Adnan , Elsana Zenab
Published: October 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread closure of educational systems, prompting a shift to online learning methods for instructors and students in higher education institutions. This study explores how pedagogical instructors supported accessibility to online pedagogical training during this crisis. This qualitative investigation employed a case study methodology, focusing on the high school training program at a multicultural college of education in Israel. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six pedagogical instructors to explore their roles as educators, their oversight of pedagogical training, the implementation of didactic workshops and practical work, and their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic across technological, pedagogical, and emotional dimensions. Findings underscore the critical role of pedagogical instructors during the shift to remote learning. They facilitated communication using digital tools among pre-service teachers, coaching professors, and students, akin to conducting an orchestra with multiple participants. Amid widening educational, technical, and social disparities among students, pedagogical instructors and their pre-service teachers played a pivotal role in curriculum adaptation and crisis management within the school setting.
The Extended Weierstrass Transformation Method for the Biswas–Arshed Equation with Beta Time Derivative
Authors: Goktas Sertac , Öner Aslı , Gurefe Yusuf
Published: October 2024

In this article, exact solutions of the Biswas–Arshed equation are obtained using the extended Weierstrass transformation method (EWTM). This method is widely used in solid-state physics, electrodynamics, and mathematical physics, and it yields exact solution functions involving trigonometric, rational trigonometric, Weierstrass elliptic, wave, and rational functions. The process involves expanding the solution functions of an elliptic differential equation into finite series by transforming them into Weierstrass functions. Furthermore, it generates parametric solutions for nonlinear algebraic equation systems, which are particularly useful in mathematical physics. These solutions are derived using the Mathematica package program. To analyze the behavior of these determined solution functions, the article employs separate two- and three-dimensional graphs showing the real and imaginary components, along with contour and density graphs. These visuals aid in comprehending the physical characteristics exhibited by these solution functions.
Impact of Smoking on Overall and Cancer-Specific Mortality in Prostate Cancer: Elevated Risks in Older and Early-Stage Patients—A Population-Based Study
Authors: Lin Ren-Jie , Liu Chien-Liang , Huang Steven K. , Chiu Allen W. , Wu Yu-Cih , Tseng Wen-Hsin , Ho Chung-Han
Published: October 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks sixth in cancer mortality among Taiwanese men, with smoking rates remaining high despite the 2009 Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. This study used the Taiwan Cancer Registry to evaluate smoking’s impact on PCa mortality, providing important information for healthcare strategies and patient management. From 2011 to 2017, 23,107 PCa patients were analyzed, with 7164 smokers and 15,943 non-smokers. The baseline characteristics, clinical stages, comorbidities, and treatment modalities were all included to estimate overall and cancer-specific mortality using the Cox regression model and Kaplan–Meier analysis. The stratified analysis of clinical stage and age group was also estimated. Our study found an association between smoking and increased overall and cancer-specific mortality in PCa patients. Although smokers over 60 had higher risks of overall mortality than non-smokers, cancer-specific mortality did not show significant differences in any age group. Smokers had higher overall mortality than non-smokers across all clinical stages, but cancer-specific mortality was significantly raised only in early-stage cases. In conclusion, smoking is associated with higher overall mortality in PCa patients, with a significant increase in cancer-specific mortality in early-stage cases. Therefore, active smoking management is critical for clinical urologists, particularly in the treatment of early-stage patients.
Differential Games between a Brand Manufacturer and an Internet Celebrity Regarding Fairness Concerns
Authors: Li Rui , Huang Weidong
Published: October 2024

With the rapid growth of social media and live-streaming technology, live-stream selling has become integral to the digital economy. Using differential game theory, this paper examines how fairness concerns impact the profits of internet celebrities and brand manufacturers under the “pure commission” model. We analyzed no fairness concern, gap fairness concern, and self-due fairness concern models, to investigate the optimal decisions and corresponding profits for an internet celebrity and a brand manufacturer. The results show that the internet celebrity earned the highest profits with low commission rates under the self-due fairness concern model, whereas higher commission rates yielded higher profits for the internet celebrity under the gap fairness concern model. Simultaneously, fairness concerns significantly affected the cooperation stability and long-term benefits, motivating the internet celebrity to maintain efficient collaborations with the brand manufacturer. Furthermore, the self-due fairness concern model was more practical than the gap fairness concern model.
Non-Adherence to Antiseizure Medications: Rate and Predictors in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alrukban Noura A. , Alotaibi Sarah A. , Alanizy Layla N. , Saleh Ahmad , Alsfouk Bshra A.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: The objective of this paper is to determine the rate and predictors of non-adherence to antiseizure medications in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study which involved questionnaires and data collection from patients’ medical records was conducted at neurology clinics. The rate of non-adherence to antiseizure medications was measured using “the Medication Adherence Rating Scale” (MARS). Predictors of non-adherence to antiseizure medications were evaluated using a multidimensional questionnaire specific to epilepsy. Results: One hundred and sixty-two patients participated in the study. The mean (SD) age was 34.1 (10.4) years, and 56% were male. Epilepsy was controlled (i.e., seizure-free ≥ 1 year) in 42% of patients. The mean ± SD (range) MARS scores were 7.80 ± 1.59 (2–10). Out of 162 patients, 58 (36%) patients had MARS scores ≤ 7 out of 10. The most frequently rated predictor for non-adherence was poor seizure control, which was reported by around 36% of patients. Forgetfulness, dosing frequency, and social stigma were also among the commonest predictors of non-adherence to antiseizure medications that were rated by approximately 27%, 24%, and 22% of the patients, respectively. The impacts of several socio-demographic and clinical factors on adherence were assessed. In the regression analysis, the odds of non-adherence in a patient who experienced adverse effects were twice that of a patient who did not have adverse effects (p = 0.113). Furthermore, females, employers, and patients who had comorbidity, those with focal epilepsy, those on polytherapy of antiseizure medication, and those receiving multiple doses per day, were all more likely (but not significantly, p > 0.05) to be non-adherent compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: The significance of this study is that it reveals that adherence to antiseizure medications is suboptimal in Saudi Arabia. Poor seizure control, forgetfulness, dosing frequency, and social stigma were the primary patient-reported predictors of non-adherence in epilepsy. This emphasizes the importance of routine evaluation of adherence in practice to identify and address what individual patients perceive as a barrier to adherence with antiseizure medications.
Evaluation of Breast Skin/Nipple-Areolar Complex Sensation and Quality of Life after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy Followed by Reconstruction
Authors: Soares Domingues Polita Beatriz , Lapinš Jānis , Ģīlis Ansis , Grucki Michal , Irmejs Arvids , Gardovskis Jānis , Maksimenko Jeļena
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Sensation of the breast skin and nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is commonly assumed to be diminished or completely absent following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with implant- or expander-based reconstruction. The purpose of this cohort study was to evaluate breast skin and NAC long-term touch pressure sensibility, from 1 month to 1 year, after NSM followed by reconstruction with an implant or expander, and patient quality of life (QoL), hypothesizing that sensibility may diminish with a small progressive return throughout the postoperative period. Materials and Methods: This was achieved by performing sensation tests using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) in nine predefined points of the breast and NAC, a two-point discrimination test (TPD) in the four quadrants of the breast, and QoL assessment using the BREAST-Q. We evaluated 42 patients in Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, with a total of 66 breasts, who underwent NSM between 2021 and 2023, performing the breast sensation tests before surgery and postoperatively at 1/3/6 months and 1 year. The BREAST-Q was administered to assess patient satisfaction and well-being. Results: Our results reflect a decline in breast skin and NAC sensation in the 1-month evaluation after NSM (mean: 4.67) when compared to the assessment before surgery (mean: 2.57), with a small progressive return reflected in the 3 months (mean: 3.79), 6 months (mean: 3.68), and 1-year evaluations (mean: 3.14). The following were the mean scores obtained from the BREAST-Q: Psychosocial Well-being (mean: 66), Sexual Well-being (mean: 50), Satisfaction with Breasts Pre-OP (mean: 58), satisfaction with breast reconstruction (mean: 52), Satisfaction with Implants, Satisfaction with nipple reconstruction, Physical Well-being Chest, Adverse effects of radiation, and Satisfaction with Information. Conclusions: This study confirms that sensibility diminishes after this procedure, as observed when comparing the sensation evaluation results before the operation with the 1-month evaluation, reflecting a small progressive return in the following months.
Changes in Climatological Variables at Stations around Lake Erie and Lake Michigan
Authors: Kaul Abhishek , Paparas Alex , Jandhyala Venkata K. , Fotopoulos Stergios B.
Published: October 2024

Climatological variables undergo changes over time, and it is important to understand such dynamic changes at global, regional, and local levels. While global and regional studies are common in the study of climate, such studies at a local level are not as common. The aim of this article is to study temporal changes in precipitation, snowfall, and temperature variables at specific stations located on the rims of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. The identification of changes is carried out by applying change-point analysis to precipitation, snowfall, and temperature data from Buffalo, Erie, and Cleveland stations located on the rim of Lake Erie and at Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay stations located on the rim of Lake Michigan. We adopt mainly the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) method to identify the number and locations of change points, and then we apply the generalized likelihood ratio statistic to test for the statistical significance of the identified change points. We follow this up by finding 95% confidence intervals for those change points that were found to be statistically significant. The results from the analysis show that there are significant changes in precipitation, snowfall, and temperature variables at all six rim stations. Changes in precipitation show consistently significant increases, whereas there is no similar consistency in snowfall increases. Temperature increases are generally quite sharp, and they occur consistently around 1985. Overall, upon combining the amounts of changes from all six stations, the average amount of change in annual average temperature is found to be 0.96 °C, the average percentage of change in precipitation is 16%, and the average percentage of change in snowfall is 17%. The changing local climatic conditions identified in the study are important for local city planners, as well as residents, so that they can be well prepared for changing climatic scenarios.