bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Professional Orientation: Innovation of Teaching
Authors:   Ulyanovsk Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Educators, Dubrova T. I.
Published: February 2024

The article considers the issues of innovation techniques’ implementation in the system of vocational-career training of mentally handicapped students. The circumstances, which predetermine the specifics of organization of professionally orientation work.
El significado de familia para nueve parejas heterosexuales sin hijos
Authors: Velásquez Muñoz Daniel Stivan , García-Quintero Clara Stella , Baena Vallejo Germán Arley , González-Gaviria Maira Alejandra
Published: February 2024

Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir los significados de familia que tienen nueve parejas heterosexuales sin hijos en el Valle de Aburrá (Colombia). Desde un enfoque hermenéutico, se hace un análisis detallado de los diferentes discursos de los participantes obtenidos a partir de la implementación de una entrevista semiestructurada, los cuales fueron documentados dentro de una matriz categorial. Como principal conclusión se encuentra que para estas parejas el significado de familia puede variar según los valores atribuidos a esta, la aceptación o ruptura de tradiciones hegemónicas sobre la familia y los aspectos considerados como influencias de dicha concepción, como, por ejemplo, la religión, la economía, el medioambiente, la educación formal, entre otros.
Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Resiliencia Académica (ARS-30) en un contexto mexicano adolescente
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cervantes Juan Carlos , Vera Noriega José Ángel
Published: February 2024

Objetivo. La presente investigación metodológica tuvo como objetivo validar la Escala de Resiliencia Académica (ARS-30) en una muestra de adolescentes mexicanos a través del análisis de sus propiedades psicométricas. Metodología. La validación se realizó con una muestra no aleatoria de 365 estudiantes de Instituciones de Educación Media Superior del norte y sur del Estado de Sonora, México; los porcentajes de participación fueron de 37 % hombres (n = 135) y 63 % mujeres (n = 230), con un rango de edad entre 14 y 18 años (M = 15.88; DT = 0.796). Resultados. El análisis factorial exploratorio arrojó dos modelos, un modelo bifactorial de resiliencia académica positiva (catorce ítems) y uno unidimensional de resiliencia académica negativa (seis ítems). Los índices de bondad de ajuste mostraron puntuaciones adecuadas en el análisis Rasch, factorial confirmatorio y de invarianza. Conclusiones. Se determina que la solución de dos modelos de la ARS-30 es válida y confiable para la medición de la resiliencia académica en estudiantes adolescentes mexicanos.
Factores asociados a conductas autolesivas no suicidas en adolescentes: estudio monográfico
Authors: Güichá-Duitama Ángela Marcela , Ballesteros Roncancio Lizeth Carolina
Published: February 2024

El objetivo de este estudio documental de tipo monográfico se centra en analizar la literatura científica relacionada con factores de riesgo y protección asociados a Conductas Autolesivas (CAL) no suicidas en adolescentes. Se compilan los hallazgos de 274 documentos de acceso abierto publicados en inglés y español en las plataformas ScienceDirect y EBSCO entre los años 2010 y 2020, relacionados con CAL no suicidas en adolescentes entre 12 y 19 años. Se encuentra evidencia empírica de la relación entre factores sociodemográficos, psicológicos, familiares y sociales con las CAL no suicidas, adicionalmente se concluye que no hay un único factor determinante y pueden existir variables directas o mediadoras de estas conductas; asimismo, se evidenció un vacío teórico importante, principalmente en relación con los factores protectores.
Islamic (Counterpart) Financing: The Russian Experiment and International Tax Agreements
Authors:   Chief Research Scientist of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation (ILCL), LL.D., Khavanova Inna A.
Published: February 2024

The article analyzes the provisions of the federal law introducing the rules for conducting an experiment to establish special regulation for Partner financing. The peculiarity of Partner financing is that it is consistent with the principles of Islamic finance (Islamic financial model). The author examines the specifics of the qualification of income from Partner financing instruments for the purposes of tax treaties.
Pricing as a Condition of the Establishment of Market Competition
Authors:   Head of the Department of Commercial Law of the Law Faculty of the Saint Petersburg State University, LL.D., Professor, Popondopulo Vladimir F.
Published: February 2024

The article examines the limits of the freedom of market pricing and the limits of state interference in the processes of market pricing in the light of conceptual approaches to the organization of society, which can be carried out by: ensuring the social process based on public self-regulation, and ensuring social equilibrium provided by state regulation. These approaches also manifest themselves in the economic sphere, including pricing processes, such as ensuring the market process, including free pricing, and ensuring market equilibrium through state regulation of commodity prices. These principles are not mutually exclusive, however, it is the social process based on self-regulation that is basic. Public self-regulation, including in the economic sphere, including pricing, is a source of legal formation, since it is based on the coordination of the interests of participants in market relations. State regulation of the social process, which has the goal of ensuring social equilibrium, by means of various kinds of incentives, restrictions and prohibitions, is a subsidiary means of regulating social relations, which can contribute both to the achievement of consensus in society, when it is aimed at protecting the rights of the subjects of social relations, and to harm it, when it is aimed at replacing the natural social process with its own normative regulations. Government pricing should be brought within the strict framework of the law and kept to a minimum.
Counterpart Financing in Russia: Conducting an Experiment on the Establishment of the Special Regulation
Authors:   Dean of the Law Faculty, Professor of the Department of Legal Regulation of Economic Operations of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Honored Lawyer of the Russian Federation, LL.D., Professor, Ruchkina Gulnara F.
Published: February 2024

The article provides a comparative legal analysis of the provisions of the Federal Law “On conducting an experiment to establish special regulation in order to create the necessary conditions for implementing partnership financing activities in Certain Subjects of the Russian Federation and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” and the initial draft this law, introduced to the State Duma of the Russian Federation by a group of deputies and senators. Attention is drawn to the insufficient regulation of partnership financing relations, and it is concluded that a number of provisions of the draft federal law were more precise and definite in their content compared to the adopted federal law. When analyzing the provisions of the adopted federal law, obvious contradictions in its content, duplication, as well as systemic inconsistency of the regulatory material were revealed.
Financial inclusion of urban agro-processors: effect of credit on poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors:   University of Calabar, Ajah EA , Etowa EB ,   Toronto Metropolitan University, Effa EB ,   University of Calabar, Ofem UI ,   University of Calabar, Iso HE ,   University of Calabar, Ettah OI ,   University of Calabar, Asuquo IA ,   University of Calabar
Published: February 2024

This study analysed the effect of credit on the poverty status of roasted plantain vendors in Calabar, Nigeria. The study described sources of credit, comparing the poverty status of credit recipients versus non-recipients, and the relationship between credit access and poverty index alongside the relationship between socioeconomic factors and poverty index. Data was collected from 110 randomly sampled roasted plantain vendors with the use of structured questionnaire. Poverty was measured with the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) model class of weighted poverty measures. Descriptive statistics were used to examine poverty status, access to credit and the sociodemographic attributes of the roasted plantain vendors. Next, using descriptive statistics, the poverty status of the vendors who accessed credit was compared to those who did not access credit. Finally, the association between access to credit and poverty index was analyzed with logistic regression model while adjusting for the effects of sociodemographic factors. Descriptive statistics showed that 60% of the vendors were female, the average age was 35 years, and the average household size was four persons. Precisely, 91% of the roasted plantain vendors had completed primary or higher education. Exactly, 64.5% received credit, while 30.79% reported non-institutional lenders as sources of credit. The mean monthly income was N48,036.36 (US$116.89). Poverty incidence was lower among credit recipients (0.268) compared to non-recipients (0.487). Credit access (OR = .083, p<.01) and household (OR=2.496, p<.01) had statistically significant associations with the poverty index. Policies promoting structural transformation are recommended for sustainable financial inclusion. An effective economic growth and development program, for example, will increase productive capacities and reduce capital losses, increase creditworthiness, motivate capital expansion and sustainable growth. Also, it was recommended that cooperative formation among the vendors is required. Membership of such a cooperative will increase credit access through reduced transaction cost, higher group’s creditworthiness/borrowing experience and stronger negotiation capacity. A Nigerian economic transformation program to promote increased productive capacities and reduced capital losses is necessary for any financial inclusion policies to sustainably alleviate poverty among deprived agro-processors such as the roasted plantain vendors. Such programs will include financial literacy including banking and loan repayments, business innovations, and business plan development. Key words: Credit, Financial inclusion, Micro-agro-processors, Plantain roasting, Poverty, Urban agriculture
Udział społeczeństwa w procedurze planowania przestrzennego – analiza metod i technik konsultacji społecznych na przykładzie polskich małych i średnich miast w ramach projektu POWER
Authors: Zgórska Barbara , Jaskulska Marta
Published: February 2024

Udział społeczeństwa w procesie opracowywania aktów planowania przestrzennego w Polsce ma charakter informacyjny, a nie dialogiczny, co przyczynia się m.in. do jego konfliktogenności. W latach 2016–2021 zrealizowano ogólnokrajowy projekt POWER dofinansowany ze środków Unii Europejskiej, którego celem było m.in. przetestowanie angażujących metod i technik konsultacji społecznych, zwiększenie poziomu współdecydowania i poprawa metod rozwiązywania konfliktów w planowaniu przestrzennym na poziomie gminnym.
Artykuł zawiera ocenę metod i technik konsultacyjnych zastosowanych w 83 małych i średnich miastach, które uczestniczyły w projekcie POWER, opis najczęściej wykorzystywanych metod i technik, sposobów ich łączenia oraz trzy studia przypadków analizowanych pod kątem możliwości wyeliminowania potencjalnych konfliktów.
Badanie przeprowadzono z wykorzystaniem metod ilościowych i jakościowych: desk research, obserwacja, obserwacja uczestnicząca, ankieta.
Evaluating the Suitability of Orange Pulp Meal as a Partial Substitute of Corn on the Chemical and Sensorial Properties of Broiler Meat (Pectoralis major)
Authors: Readh CHAIB EDDOUR Ahmed , Miloud LITIM , Abdelkarim LARBAOUI , Kaddour BOUDEROUA , Chaima BELHOCINE , Islam BOUZADI Imane , Eddine AKLIL Oussama Nacer , Messaouda SOUALEH MOHAMED , Eddine CHEMANI Allaa
Published: February 2024

Background: The study aimed to assess the effect of a partial dietary substitution of corn with dried orange pulp (DOP) powder in broiler diets and their effect on Pectoralis major meat quality. Furthermore, the study investigated the relationship between physicochemical parameters and sensory characteristics of breast meat even of control and experimental broilers groups. Methods: Four dietary treatments namely basal diet (control), 5, 10 and 15% DOP were given to 200 broilers 16 days-old for 49 days. Throughout all breeding periods, the control group was fed a diet primarily composed of corn, soybean meal and wheat bran. The experimental groups were given the same initial diet as the control group, but their grower and finisher diets contained 5%, 10% and 15% of orange pulp powder respectively. Physicochemical parameters, proximate composition, lipid oxidation index and sensory characteristics of broiler breast muscle were determined. Result: Significant decreases in moisture and fats were observed in the experimental groups (P less than 0.0001). However, the experimental diets positively affected the lipid oxidation of breast meat samples, as indicated by the lower malondialdehyde content (P less than 0.05). The partial substitution with orange pulp powder did not show an effect (P greater than 0.05) on sensory attributes of breast meat except for overall acceptability by the degustation panel. According to the panel degustation results, the flavor in experimental diets breast meat had a significant correlation on some sensory characteristic like juiciness and color of experimental breast samples (P less than 0.001). Pearson’s correlation revealed that flavor of control breast meat was negatively correlated with 2 physicochemical parameters (pH and lipid peroxidation). Similarly, the flavor of experimental groups was negatively correlated with the sensory attributes (juiciness and color). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between juiciness and the parameters (color and pH) of experimental meat.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Relationship of VP6 Gene of Rotavirus among Canine, Porcine and Human Infants
Authors: Koul Viraj , Warke S.R. , Tumlam U.M. , Tikoo Mehak , Bobade S.S.
Published: February 2024

Background: Rotaviruses have been widely reported and have a worldwide prevalence to be associated with diarrhea in humans but fewer studies abound on other mammalian species. Group A Rotavirus (RVA) are majorly responsible for causing acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in humans and animals. Methods: In the present study 150 diarrheic fecal samples from, piglets, pups and human infants (0-5 yr of age) were screened for the presence of rotaviruses by lateral flow assay, VP6-based RT-PCR assay and phylogenetic analysis. Result: A total of 13/150 (8.6%) fecal samples were found positive by lateral flow assay. Out of 50 diarrheic fecal samples each of human infants 4 (8.0%), pups, 03 (6.0%), piglet samples 6 (12.00%) showed the presence of rotavirus. All 13 positive fecal samples from piglets, pups and human infants were further screened for the detection of group A Rotavirus by VP6 gene-based RT-PCR assay. Of the samples tested, 13 (100.00%) samples were found positive for Rotavirus. The sequences of VP6 gene amplified from piglet, pups and human infants were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic analysis showed that there is not much sequence variation between rotavirus from human infant and piglet. It showed more identity with Homo sapiens and Bos taurus which indicated the possibility of zoonotic transmission.
Motivación y apoyo organizacional como determinantes de la extensión universitaria de posgrado
Authors: Araya-Pizarro Sebastián , Verelst Nando , Pallero-Castillo Daniela , Vásquez-Ángel Viviana
Published: February 2024

En el contexto actual, es especialmente importante que las universidades se vinculen con la comunidad e instituciones externas. La sociedad demanda que las instituciones académicas se comprometan verdaderamente con el desarrollo de soluciones a los problemas prioritarios del entorno, para lograr una transformación social y económica real. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la influencia de la motivación y el apoyo organizacional en los resultados de extensión universitaria de docentes y estudiantes de posgrado. Se realizó una encuesta a 50 participantes de programas de doctorado en ciencias e ingeniería de una universidad pública de Chile, seleccionados mediante un muestreo no probabilístico intencional. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados a través de un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales con Mínimos Cuadrados Parciales (PLS-SEM). Los hallazgos muestran que los factores motivacionales tienen una influencia directa, fuerte y significativa en los resultados individuales de extensión y, también, actúan como una variable mediadora del apoyo organizacional. Las motivaciones más relevantes están relacionadas con el deseo de fortalecer el campo disciplinario, investigar colaborativamente y generar conocimiento con impacto en la sociedad y el territorio. En conclusión, el estudio proporciona resultados exploratorios valiosos sobre la relación entre la motivación y el apoyo organizacional, así como la efectividad de las acciones de extensión universitaria. Estos hallazgos ofrecen información clave para que las instituciones de educación superior desarrollen políticas y estrategias destinadas a mejorar su vinculación con sus grupos de interés externos.
Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Instructional Practices Regarding English Language Learners
Authors: Delcourt Marcia A. B. , Heath Anne M. , Goolkasian Pauline E.
Published: February 2024

This mixed-methods study was used to examine the impact of teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs and instructional practices when teaching English Language Learners (ELLs). Quantitative and qualitative data were sequentially collected, concurrently analyzed, and triangulated. A sample of 126 experienced K-12 educators from the northeastern US completed (a) a demographic survey, (b) a teachers’ self-efficacy survey, and (c) a classroom strategy scale. A stepwise multilinear regression procedure determined that teachers’ use of academic performance feedback, efficacy beliefs in student engagement, and employment of both student-directed and direct instructional practices predicted teachers’ self-perceptions about being able to adapt instruction for their ELL population. Qualitative data were obtained from 10 participants who self-rated as having high self-efficacy and classroom strategy use. Themes included foundational requirements, school leadership, specific instructional strategies, and knowing how to apply these strategies with ELLs. The triangulated results revealed that when school leaders provide professional learning opportunities that support a truly inclusive curriculum and collaborative time in which to plan with colleagues, there is a positive impact on teachers’ self-efficacy to instruct ELLs.
Kadar Glukosa, Kolesterol dan Kadar Asam Urat Darah Puyuh pada Fase Starter, Grower, dan Layer
Authors: Jumadin La , Satyaningtijas Aryani Sismin , Manalu Wasmen , Ekastuti Damiana Rita , Nisa Chairun , Hendrawan Mohammad Yogie , Yuvensius Yuvensius , Milna Resi
Published: February 2024

Puyuh dikenal sebagai penghasil protein hewani berupa telur dan daging yang sangat baik. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk memperoleh data dasar beberapa parameter biokimiawi darah, yang meliputi kadar glukosa darah, kadar kolesterol darah, dan kadar asam urat darah serta bobot badan pada puyuh fase starter (umur 18 hari), grower (umur 25 hari), dan layer (umur 330 hari). Pengambilan darah dilakukan melalui rute intravena (vena brachialis) terhadap 120 ekor burung puyuh. Setiap fase terdiri atas 10 ekor puyuh. Hasil analisis statistika menunjukkan tidak ada pengaruh nyata antara fase dengan kadar glukosa darah puyuh, namun nilai kadar glukosa tertinggi terdapat pada fase starter. Kadar glukosa darah semakin menurun dengan semakin bertambahnya umur dan semakin bertambahnya bobot badan. Kadar kolesterol darah pada berbagai fase pemeliharaan/umur puyuh menunjukkan hasil berbeda nyata (p<0,05), nilai kolesterol darah tertinggi diperoleh pada fase layer. Kadar asam urat menunjukkan tidak terdapat pengaruh umur pemeliharaan (p>0,05). Kadar asam urat tertinggi terdapat pada puyuh fase grower. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah kadar glukosa darah dan kadar asam urat tidak menunjukkan perbedaan pada setiap umur pemeliharaan, sedangkan pada kadar kolesterol darah memberikan pengaruh yang nyata.
On the Phenomenon of Low-Frequency, Large-Amplitude Oscillations in a High-Dimensional Linear Dynamical System
Authors:   Institute for Applied Mathematics, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Gudimenko A. I. ,   Far Eastern Federal University, Lihosherstov A. V.
Published: February 2024

This article provides an explanation of the observed phenomenon on the basis of a complete analytical solution of the system. The solution is constructed in a standard way by reducing the dynamic problem to the problem of eigenvalues and eigenvectors for the system matrix. When solving, we use methods from the theory of orthogonal polynomials. In addition, we discuss two physical interpretations of the system. The connection between these interpretations and the system is established through the Schrödinger variables.
Communication Process in Implementing Qanun Number 11 of 2018 concerning Sharia Financial Institutions and Mergers of Indonesian Sharia Banks
Authors: Alief Bisma , Luqman Yanuar
Published: February 2024

In implementing Sharia banking in Indonesia, especially in Aceh, several obstacles have emerged, such as the low level of public financial literacy, the conventional bank conversion process, supervision and regulation, changes in corporate culture, and uniformity and harmonization of Sharia banking regulations. This research aims to examine and understand the communication process in the implementation of Qanun No. 11 of 2018 concerning Sharia Financial Institutions and the merger of Bank Syariah Indonesia. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection was carried out in-depth and involved various sources of information, including observations, interviews, audiovisual materials, and related documents and reports. The research results highlight the importance of effective communication in dealing with change within an organization or company. Converting a conventional bank to a Sharia bank in Aceh requires a persuasive approach and efforts to create a conducive internal climate, while the Bank Syariah Indonesia merger process shows the importance of thorough communication preparation and an effective branding strategy. Establishing a new organizational structure requires the use of methods such as chair-sharing meetings and performance-based assessments. Adopting a new corporate culture, "BSI One Culture," shows how important continuous efforts are in facilitating employee adaptation and minimizing obstacles that arise. By focusing on open, strategic, and persuasive communication, Bank Syariah Indonesia successfully completed the conversion and merger process, creating operational continuity and a new corporate culture in Aceh.
Toponímia paralela na cidade de Dourados/MS: nomeação e memória
Authors: Tavares Marilze , Santos Marina de Souza
Published: February 2024

Este estudo se caracteriza como interdisciplinar envolvendo, especialmente, a Linguística, uma vez que o foco é uma parcela do léxico, e a História, já que requer a recuperação de aspectos históricos do local pesquisado. Teve como objetivo a análise de topônimos paralelos da área urbana de Dourados (MS). As reflexões teóricas apresentadas fundamentam-se em autores que estudam toponímia na perspectiva linguística – Dauzat (1945), Trapero (1995), Dick (1987,1996) – e em historiadores que discutem o tema memória – Thompson (1981), Samuel (1997), Ricoeur (2007). Para a constituição do corpus, foram elencados 11 topônimos que, posteriormente, foram submetidos à apreciação de 40 moradores. Dentre os resultados, citam-se os seguintes: há casos de relativo equilíbrio entre o uso do nome paralelo e o do oficial como Rua Bahia (paralelo) e Rua Hayel Bon Faker (oficial), e casos em que o paralelo prevalece como em Mão do Braz (paralelo) e Monumento ao Colono (oficial); os nomes paralelos analisados têm características distintas em relação aos oficiais: os primeiros, em geral, são mais descritivos e funcionais, possuem vínculos diretos com o espaço denominado e com a memória dos moradores; já os oficiais se prestam, frequentemente, à homenagem a homens considerados importantes para a história local, regional ou nacional.
A emergência da pontuação na escrita de crianças brasileiras
Authors: Gomes Andressa Porto , Soncin Geovana
Published: February 2024

Este estudo objetiva caracterizar a emergência dos sinais de pontuação na escrita de crianças durante os cinco anos escolares que compõem o primeiro ciclo do atual Ensino Fundamental Brasileiro. Nessa caracterização, são descritas, num primeiro momento, tendências sobre os tipos de sinais de pontuação que emergem na escrita infantil, relacionando-os com os momentos em que emergem na etapa escolar considerada, levando em conta sua frequência de manifestação e a função que exercem; num segundo momento, são descritos os movimentos identificados nos textos infantis em direção a uma escrita convencionalizada no que diz respeito à pontuação. Os textos que compõem a amostra analisada foram produzidos durante oficinas de produção textual em uma escola pública do interior paulista. A análise é conduzida de modo a conceber as marcas de pontuação na escrita infantil como indícios que denunciam tanto a relação do sujeito com a linguagem em seu modo de enunciação escrito quanto às mudanças de posição do sujeito em relação à própria escrita.
Visual-and-Language multimodal fusion for sweeping robot navigation based on CNN and GRU
Authors: Chen Peizhen , Lin Kevin , Zhang Abby Yurong , Yu Yibei , Sun Jiaqian , Liu Xinyi
Published: February 2024

In recent years, with the development of mobile robotics technology, robotic vacuum cleaners have become part of people's daily lives. These robots have the ability to autonomously recognize their environment and navigate rooms for cleaning, demonstrating significant practical applications. However, in the absence of highly detailed maps, the challenge of how robots can autonomously identify their current location and accurately reach specified destinations remains an unsolved problem. The emergence of visual language navigation methods has made it possible for robots to receive natural language instructions about navigation paths and autonomously move to their target locations under the guidance of these instructions. However, effectively fusing information between the visual and language modalities remains a significant challenge. To achieve deep integration of natural language and visual information, this research introduces a multimodal fusion neural network model, which combines visual information (RGB images and depth maps) with language information (natural language navigation instructions). Firstly, we used Faster R-CNN and ResNet50 to extract image features and attention mechanism to further extract effective information. Secondly, GRU model is used to extract language features. Finally, another GRU model is used to fuse the visual- language features, and then the history information is retained to give the next action instruction to the robot. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively addresses the localization and decision-making challenges for robotic vacuum cleaners.
Statistical analysis plan for a cluster randomised trial in Madhya Pradesh, India: community health promotion and medical provision and impact on neonates (CHAMPION2)
Authors: Magill Nicholas , Shivalli Siddharudha , Fazzio Ila , Elbourne Diana , Keddie Suzanne , Reddy Padmanabh , Nair Rakhi , Gopal Madan , Karnati Sridevi , Reddy Harshavardhan , Boone Peter , Frost Chris
Published: February 2024

Background Neonatal mortality in India has fallen steadily and was estimated to be 24 per 1000 live births in the year 2017. However, neonatal mortality remains high in rural parts of the country. The Community Health Promotion and Medical Provision and Impact On Neonates (CHAMPION2) trial investigates the effect of a complex health intervention on neonatal mortality in the Satna District of Madhya Pradesh.
Methods/design The CHAMPION2 trial forms one part of a cluster-randomised controlled trial with villages (clusters) randomised to receive either a health (CHAMPION2) or education (STRIPES2) intervention. Villages receiving the health intervention are controls for the education intervention and vice versa. The primary outcome is neonatal mortality. Secondary outcomes include maternal mortality; stillbirths; perinatal deaths; causes of death; health care and knowledge; hospital admissions of enrolled women during pregnancy or in the immediate post-natal care period, or of their babies (during the neonatal period); maternal blood transfusions; and the cost effectiveness of the intervention. A total of 196 villages have been randomised and over 34,000 women have been recruited in CHAMPION2.
Discussion This update to the published trial protocol gives a detailed plan for the statistical analysis of the CHAMPION2 trial.
Trial registration Registry of India: CTRI/2019/05/019296. Registered on 23 May 2019. https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MzExOTg=&Enc=&userName=champion2
Effect of Monetary Policy on the Economic Growth of Ethiopia: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Approach
Authors: Abdulkadr Ahmed Abduletif , Asnakew Yibeltal Walle , Sendkie Fentahun Baylie , Workineh Ermias Berihun , Asfaw Dagmawe Menelek
Published: February 2024

This study analyze the effect of monetary policy. To address this objective this study employed ARDL and error correction model (ECM) based on annual data from 1993 to 2022. Granger causality test was also employed to check the direction of causal effects of one variable on the other variable. All required pre and post estimation test were performed and verified that the model was statistical viable. The study revealed that, In short run, deposit interest rate, reserve required amount and open market operation have positive and statistically significant effects on real GDP growth of Ethiopia, however, money supply have negative and statistically significant effects on real GDP growth of Ethiopia. In long run, money supply have positive and statistically significant effects on real GDP growth of Ethiopia, however, deposit interest rate and reserve required have negative and statistically significant effects on real GDP growth of Ethiopia. To sum up, in short run contractionary monetary policy was promising and in long run expansionary monetary policy was favorable effect on economic growth. The Granger causality test result shows that there is bidirectional causality between monetary policy and economic growth; except there was unidirectional relationship between deposit interest rate and economic growth. Ultimately, this research suggests the following policy recommendation: for short-term economic enhancement, it is advisable for the government to opt for a contractionary monetary policy rather than an expansionary one. On the other hand, for long-term economic improvement, an expansionary monetary policy is more favorable than a contractionary one.
Single-Cell Laser Emitting Cytometry for Label-Free Nucleolus Fingerprinting
Authors: Chen Yu-Cheng , Fang Guocheng , Qiao Zhen , Zhu Hui , Xie Jun , Zhou Tian , Xiong Zhongshu , Jin Dayong
Published: February 2024

Nucleolus, a recognized biomolecular condensate, serves as the hub for ribosome biogenesis within the cell nucleus. Its number and morphology act as discernible indicators of cellular functional states, particularly under stress conditions. However, precise identification and quantification of nucleolus remains challenging without specific labeling, particularly for suspended cells and high-throughput applications. Here we introduce a single-cell laser emitting cytometry (SLEC) for label-free nucleolus differentiation through light-matter interactions within a Fabry-Perot photonic resonator. The laser emission image provides insights into the structural inhomogeneity and the temporal fluid-like dynamics within the nucleolus. Lasing spectral fingerprint depicts the quantity and size of nucleoli within a single cell, showcasing the viability of nucleolus flow cytometry on a biochip. This approach holds promise for nucleolus-guided cell screening and drug evaluation, advancing the study of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Overcoming the intrinsic brittleness of high-strength Al2O3-GdAlO3 ceramics through refined eutectic microstructure
Authors: Yoshida Hidehiro , Aoki Yuta , Masuda Hiroshi , Tochigi Eita
Published: February 2024

High-strength ceramic materials are known for their exceptional mechanical properties; however, they are often plagued by brittleness, limiting their applications. Because of the inherent difficulty of dislocation glides in ceramics, efforts to enhance reliability of ceramics by activating plastic deformation have faced challenges. This work demonstrates that Al2O3-GdAlO3(GAP) eutectic micropillars with submicron-scale fibrous microstructures exhibit remarkable plastic deformability. They displayed a plastic strain of up to 5% even at 25°C, while the micropillars of Al2O3 or GAP single crystals exhibited brittle fracture similar to conventional high-strength ceramics. The plasticity in Al2O3-GAP eutectic was attributed to the activation of primary prismatic slip and secondary basal slip in the Al2O3 phase, which is typically considered inactive at room temperature. These findings suggest that plastic deformability can be achieved in high-strength ceramic materials by fabricating refined eutectic microstructures.
Does host migration affect host-parasite interaction? Migrant birds harbor exclusive parasites but have similar roles in parasite-host networks.
Authors: Dutra Daniela de Angeli , Rodrigues Raquel Andrade , Pichorim Mauro , Moreira Patrícia de Abreu , Braga Érika Martins
Published: February 2024

Parasites comprise a substantial portion of global biodiversity and play critical roles in shaping ecosystems by modulating trophic networks and affecting their hosts’ abundance and distribution. The dynamics of host migration introduce new complexity to these relationships. From the host perspective, migratory behavior can either act as a defense mechanism or augment exposition to a broader spectrum of pathogens. Conversely, for parasites, host migration represents a mechanism for their dispersion and an opportunity to infect new host species. This study investigates the complex interplay between migration and host-parasite interactions, focusing on the interaction between hosts and avian malaria and malaria-like parasites in the Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest. We captured 1,466 birds representing 70 different species, uncovering 322 infections with Plasmodium/Haemoproteus parasites. We observed variations in migration timing and fluctuations in host abundance across months. By comparing the observed patterns of interaction of migratory and non-migratory birds to patterns of interaction expected at random, we show that migration affects the roles hosts take in the host-parasite network. Interestingly, despite the fact migratory species hosted more exclusive and distinct parasites, migrants did not occupy central network positions, which are dominated by resident birds. Overall, we highlight the role of resident birds as key species within host-parasite communities and the high specialization among avian haemosporidians and their hosts.
Evaluation of demand control ventilation impact on indoor air quality and energy efficiency of an office space in a tropical climate
Authors: Mustapha Mohamad Asrul , Chanik Abadi , Ismaili Gaddafi , Pauzan Amira Satirawaty Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency are critical factors in the design and operation of office spaces. This study explores the transformative potential of Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) systems in optimizing IAQ and energy efficiency within office environments located in tropical climates. Unlike traditional ventilation mechanisms, which operate uniformly regardless of occupancy levels, thereby escalating energy expenditure, DCV systems dynamically adjust fresh air inflow based on real-time occupancy data. Through meticulous simulation analyses employing the Carrier Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), this investigation contrasts the performance of a conventional, constant ventilation setup against that of a DCV-modulated environment. This comparison utilizes actual occupancy, HVAC settings, and electrical loads. The findings reveal that DCV implementation not only upholds stringent IAQ standards but also heralds a significant reduction in average energy consumption by 38.9%. This study substantiates DCV's efficacy in enhancing IAQ and energy savings, positioning DCV as a cornerstone technology for sustainable retrofitting and design in tropical climates, and highlighting its potential applications in optimizing space ventilation systems.
Introducing Edge Intelligence to Smart Meters via Federated Split Learning
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Yehui , Qin Dalin , Poor H. Vincent
Published: February 2024

The ubiquitous smart meters are expected to be a central feature of future smart grids by enabling the collection of massive fine-grained consumption data to support demand-side flexibility. However, the current smart meters are still not smart enough. They can only perform basic data collection and communication functionalities but fail to carry out any on-device intelligent data analytics due to hardware constraints in terms of memory, computation, and communication capacity. Moreover, privacy concerns have hindered the utilization of data from distributed smart meters. Here, we present an end-edge-cloud federated split learning framework to enable collaborative model training on resource-constrained smart meters with the assistance of edge and cloud servers in a resource-efficient and privacy-enhancing manner. The proposed method is validated on a hardware platform to conduct building and household load forecasting on smart meters with only 192KB of static random-access memory (SRAM). We show that the proposed method can reduce the memory footprint by 95.5%, the training time by 94.8%, and the communication burden by 50% under the distributed learning framework, and achieve comparable or even superior forecasting accuracy compared to resource-unlimited methods.
Neural mechanisms underlying different aspects of pseudostuttering versus fluent speech during spontaneous speech production
Authors: Niephaus Alexandra , Konrad Kerstin , Guzik Janina , Pape-Neumann Julia , Reindl Vanessa
Published: February 2024

Although “artificial stuttering”, also known as pseudostuttering, represents a well-controlled technique for exploring disfluencies in spontaneous speech, little is known about the exact neural mechanisms involved in pseudostuttering. More specifically, previous research has not considered different types of pseudostuttering symptoms, such as repetitions or prolongations. To address this research gap, we performed functional near-infrared spectroscopy on N = 31 adult participants to measure their brain activity during spontaneous speech under three conditions: habitual (fluent) speech, voluntary produced repetitions, and prolongations. We found greater activation during pseudostuttering than during habitual speech in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, premotor cortex, supplementary motor area, supramarginal gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus, with no significant differences between repetitions and prolongations. These results support previous activation findings obtained during sentence reading and extend them to include activations in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and middle temporal gyrus when producing simulated prolongations and repetitions in naturalistic speech scenarios. Our findings underscore the potential of employing pseudostuttering paradigms in real-world contexts, such as conversational discourse, as a valuable tool to elucidate the neural underpinnings of speech disfluency and its implications for the speaker.
Association between lipid parameters and severity of depressive symptoms in patients with first-diagnosed drug-free major depressive disorder
Authors: Liu Junjun , Li Zhe , Xiao Libin , Feng Xiaotang , Liu Yang , Jia Fengnan , Zhang Xiaobin , Du Xiangdong , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: February 2024

Objective
The association between lipid biomarkers and the severity of depressive symptoms remains uncertain in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), as previous findings have been debatable. The objective of this research was to examine the correlation between lipid parameters and the severity of depressive symptoms in patients with first-diagnosed drug-free (FDDF) MDD in Chinese.
Methods
From 2016 to 2018, a total of 1718 individuals diagnosed with FDDF MDD were recruited. Detailed sociodemographic details and anthropometric measurements were gathered from each patient. An assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms was conducted using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), respectively. Furthermore, thyroxine hormones, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and lipid profiles were ascertained using blood samples taken by a trained clinician. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were then employed to ascertain if there was an association between patient lipid profiles and depressive symptom severity. Additionally, a two-segmental linear regression analysis was used to investigate threshold effects.
Results
Subsequent to adjusting for covariates, multivariate linear regression analysis unequivocally demonstrated a positive correlation between total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and the manifestation of depressive symptoms in patients with FDDF MDD. Intriguingly, the relationship between TC, TG, LDL-c, and depressive symptoms exhibited a non-linear pattern. By employing a two-segmental linear regression model, distinct inflection points at 6.17 mmol/l for TC, 1.80 mmol/l for TG, and 4.12 mmol/l for LDL-c were unveiled. At values higher than each inflection point, we observed a positive association between TC, TG, LDL-c, and depressive symptoms (all P < 0.05). However, this relationship between lipids and depressive symptoms appears to plateau at values higher than each inflection point (all P > 0.05). Notably, the correlation between HDL-c and depressive symptoms, on the other hand, appeared to exhibit a "U"-shaped pattern, where 1.10 mmol/l was found to be optimal.
Conclusion
Our investigation shed light on the intricacies regarding the association between lipid markers (TC, TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c) and the severity of depressive symptoms in patients with FDDF MDD, thereby offering valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms involved.
Postpartum Amniotic Fluid Embolism with Hamman’s Syndrome: A Rare Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Hussein Abdirahman Osman , Yusuf Ali Mohamed , Ali Amal Nor , Hussein Ahmed Issak , Dirie Abdikadir Mohamed , Jeele Mohamed Osman Omar
Published: February 2024

Background: In medicine, Pneumomediastinum (PM) refers to the presence of free air in the mediastinal cavity. Typically, trauma and other serious chronic lung disorders are the most prevalent causes of PM. It is estimated that Hamman’s syndrome, spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema, occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 live births and is highly associated with prolonged labor time. Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare obstetric emergency characterized by severe hypotension, hypoxia, and coagulopathy and it is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality during labor or shortly after delivery. There are several case reports which described Hamman’s syndrome during or after delivery and AFE during and after labor separately, but we did not find any case in the literature which AFE and Hamman’s syndrome simultaneously occur in the same patient.
Case report: In the presenting case report, we described a 26-year-old female patient who suddenly developed shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough after normal vaginal delivery. She was diagnosed with AFE with Hamman’s syndrome and was treated with conservative management. After one week of hospitalization, the patient was discharged in good health.
Conclusion: AFE is a potentially high mortality condition, but with early diagnosis and management the outcome of the mother can be improved.
Does genomic profiling improve clinical outcome in carcinoma of unknown primary? - A systematic review
Authors: Derrick Anna , de Vries Sara , Morgan Claire
Published: February 2024

The lack of adequate diagnostic pathways and treatment options remains an unmet clinical need for patients with cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP). The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate whether genomic profiling improves clinical outcome for CUP patients versus those who receive standard of care. The PRISMA guidelines were followed and research articles were systematically searched on: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Trip database and Epistemonikos, yielding 232 papers. Eligible studies had to be (i) original research trials; (ii) patients diagnosed with CUP; (iii) cohort groups of more than thirty participants; and (iv) studies with available survival data. After removal of duplicates and application of in- and exclusion criteria, six studies were included. A manual citation search identified five additional studies. The modified Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included articles. An emerging theme was the predominance of single-arm non-randomised controlled trials (RCT) along with considerable heterogeneity in study design. Nine out of the 11 studies (82%) showed a trend towards improved overall & progression-free survival in the molecularly-tailored site-specific treatment groups. Survival benefit was less promising in one double-arm RCT and in a second agnostic study. Whilst this analysis shows a trend towards improved clinical outcome in molecularly-guided treatment groups, it is still uncertain whether genomic profiling contributes substantially to the management of CUP.
Remote picometric acoustic sensing via ultrastable laser homodyne interferometry
Authors: Jang Yoon-Soo , Lee Dong-IL , Flores Jaime Flor , Wang Wenting , Wong Chee Wei
Published: February 2024

Acoustic detection has many applications across science and technology, from medical to imaging and communications. However, most acoustic sensors have a common limitation in that the detection must be near the acoustic source. Alternatively laser interferometry with picometer-scale motional displacement detection can rapidly and precisely measure sound-induced minute vibrations on remote surfaces. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of sound detection up to 100 kHz at remote sites with ~ 30 m standoff distances via laser homodyne interferometry. Based on our ultrastable Hz-linewidth laser with 10-15 fractional stability, our laser interferometer achieves 1.5 pm/Hz1/2 displacement sensitivity near 10 kHz, bounded only by laser frequency noise over 10 kHz. Between 140 Hz to 15 kHz, we achieve a homodyne acoustic sensing sensitivity of sub-nm/Pa across our conversational frequency overtones. The minimal sound pressure detectable over 30 meter distances is ~ 2 mPa, with dynamic ranges over 100 dB. With the demonstrated standoff picometric distance metrology, we successfully detected and reconstructed musical scores of normal conversational volumes with high fidelity. The acoustic detection via this precision laser interferometer could be applied to selective area sound sensing for remote acoustic metrology, optomechanical vibrational motion sensing and ultrasensitive optical microphones at the laser frequency noise limits.