bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Reconstruction of Typhoon Trami (2018) eye and eyewall clouds observed by Airborne Reconnaissance on board Camera
Authors: Algodon Meryl , Takahashi Yukihiro , Kubota Hisayuki , Sato Mitsuteru
Published: November 2024

Typhoons cause significant damage and casualties worldwide, making accurate intensity estimation essential for risk mitigation. However, analyzing typhoons—particularly their size, cloud formations, and development rate—is challenging due to their unpredictable nature and various environmental influences. Cloud morphology, particularly the cloud-top altitude difference between the eyewall and the eye, is a key indicator of typhoon intensity, as suggested by the Dvorak technique. Traditionally, this data is derived from thermal infrared (TIR) measurements, but these are often unreliable due to atmospheric temperature inconsistencies. In this research, we developed a method using stereo-photogrammetry to analyze typhoons through aircraftcaptured images of the typhoon eye. We reconstructed a 3D model of 2018 Typhoon Trami’s eye, achieving a high resolution
of 6.08 meters per pixel with a minimal projection error of 2.37 pixels. This model surpasses the resolution of satellite and radar sensors traditionally used for typhoon analysis. The model revealed a stair-step cloud structure likely associated with an eyewall replacement cycle occurring at that time. This technique allows for precise cloud-top height measurement, crucial for estimating typhoon intensity. Our findings were validated by comparing three cross-sections of the 3D model with TIR data from the Himawari-8 satellite and dropsonde measurements.
Pancreas Pyroptosis and Self-Digestion Inhibitions by Multi-Enzymically Catalytic Nanoeffectors Reject Death-Sentenced Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Dong Xiulin , Hua Sijia , Zhang Kun , Yang Jianfeng , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2024

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with a high mortality rate, and thereby AP therapy is still a challenge. Pancreatic enzymes overproduction-induced pancreas self-digestion and persistent oxidative stress-associated pancreas pyroptosis have been identified two root causes against current AP therapy. Herein, single-atom nanozymes of Co-based SAE (Co-SAE) with inherent antioxidant enzymes surface modified with trypsin activity inhibitor Rhamnetin (Rh) are developed to inhibit the progression of AP. It is found that in the AP mouse model, this formulation (Rh@SAE) confers effective protection against self-digestion, oxidative stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue damage. Importantly, pyroptosis death of pancreatic acinar cells (PACs) is alleviated as validated by the blockade of GSDMG cleavage, inactivation of caspase 1, and reduction in the release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1𝛽) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Overall, this work possesses a huge potential for improving AP outcomes, which opens a new catalytic therapy avenue for AP.
Advanced Amine Solvent Strategies for Efficient CO2 Capture in Post-Combustion Systems
Authors: Rochelle Fourie , Hashemi Hamed , Naidoo Paramespri , Ramjugernath Deresh
Published: November 2024

Process simulations serve as an efficient and cost-effective method for evaluating the performance of various amine solvents and their blends in CO₂ capture technologies. This study utilized a performance indicator model to assess the effectiveness of n-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) blends, supplemented with the activator piperazine (PZ). Key parameters such as solvent flow rates, equipment heat duties, and associated costs including energy consumption and carbon taxes were incorporated into the analysis. Among the tested formulations, a binary blend consisting of 25 wt.% AMP and 5 wt.% PZ demonstrated superior performance, achieving a 35% improvement over the baseline 30 wt.% AMP solvent. Further enhancement was realized through the implementation of absorber intercooling (ICA) within the simulation design, which elevated the performance rating by an additional 9%. These results highlight the significant potential of optimizing solvent compositions and incorporating innovative process configurations to improve the efficiency of post-combustion CO₂ capture systems. The findings provide valuable insights for developing more effective and sustainable approaches to reducing carbon emissions in large-scale industrial applications.
Pitaya Allergy: A Case Report of Anaphylaxis in a Patient Without Cross-Reactive Allergens
Authors: Martin Hannah , Stepaniuk Peter
Published: November 2024

Background: Pitaya, commonly known as dragon fruit, is increasingly available and has allergenic potential. While pollens have been found to have cross-reactivity and thus induce allergies to several fruits, the case report detailed herein to our knowledge is the first reported of pitaya anaphylaxis in a patient without co-sensitization to other fruit or environmental allergens.
Case presentation: A 26-year-old male presented to the emergency department with anaphylaxis after consumption of pitaya (dragon fruit). He had no prior history of atopy. Epicutaneous skin testing demonstrated positive skin testing to pitaya with negative testing to all environmental allergens, indicating his pitaya allergy did not derive from pollen allergy cross-sensitization.
Conclusions: Our case is unique in demonstrating the potential for pitaya allergy to occur independent of other allergies and cross-sensitization. Future research into suspected allergenic proteins in pitaya, quantifying their structural similarity to other allergens and identifying their likelihood of causing allergies independent of pollen sensitization, is warranted.
Effectively Co-debriefing an Interprofessional Team in a Simulation Context: A Systematised Review and Qualitative Study
Authors: Makinen Emma-Liisa , Senior Mackenzie , Bignucolo Adam , Sarvas Holly
Published: November 2024

Background
Debriefing after an interprofessional (IP) simulation is key to participant learning. Incorporating IP co-debriefers mitigates power discrepancies and increases collaboration between debriefers and participants to optimise learning. Nevertheless, there are challenges that come with co-debriefing an IP team following a simulation, with limited recommendations for managing these challenges. This study aims to identify methods for how IP faculty can effectively debrief a post-licensure IP team following a Code Blue simulation.
Methods
This study conducted both a systematised literature review and a theoretical thematic analysis of post-simulation IP debriefing sessions. The search terms for PubMed and CINAHL were Debrief* AND (Interprofessional or multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary) AND simulation, with a date range of 2012–2022. Thirty articles were identified by title and abstract review, with 16 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The thematic analysis was derived from post-simulation IP debriefing data collected from 12 simulation IP debriefs. These data included debrief-the-debriefer notes, participants’ post-debrief surveys, and a final debrief-the-debriefer session after all simulation sessions were complete.
Results
Five broad themes with nine subthemes were established by correlating the literature review findings alongside the post-simulation IP debriefing data and survey data: Effective Communication (use of specific questioning, discussion generation, empowering facilitators, and framework), Knowledge Gaps (specific education, empowering facilitators), Therapeutic Milieu (empowering participants, framing discussion, facilitator confidence/comfort), Effective Physical Structure, and Suggesting Tool Use.
Conclusion
Multiple strategies useful for IP co-debriefing were found, such as the use of an IP learner-centered approach with combined open-ended questions and specific questioning; the implementation of specific frameworks to guide the debrief; and the provision of IP debriefers educated in both simulation cases and debriefing. This study contributes to the research by acknowledging the uniqueness of IP co-debriefing compared with other debriefing models, and identifying effective strategies for IP co-debriefers to use in a post-licensure IP debrief. Further research should explore in-depth reviews of faculty debrief-the-debriefer sessions to inform a guiding framework for future debriefers.
From Attacker's Eyes: Preventing Attribute Privacy Leakage in User Behavior Data
Authors: Lian Defu , Wu Chenwang , Ge Yong , Chen Enhong
Published: November 2024

Attribute inference attacks exploit the correlation between user behavioral data and private information to infer private attributes from behavioral data, leading to privacy leakage risks. Typically, defense against such malicious privacy inference is perceived as conflicting with attacks. However, this paper revisits representative attribute-privacy-preserving methods within an attack framework, revealing that their optimization objectives align with adversarial attacks with only minor differences. This unified attack lens allows us to assign precise meanings to their protection mechanisms and facilitates comparisons of their strengths and limitations. Based on our observations, we outline the major issues in applying attack to privacy preservation, such as selecting perturbed and target data. We then identify an appropriate attack optimization objective and present a poisoning-based privacy-preserving method to address these issues. Finally, we prove the privacy-preserving performance through theoretical analysis and experimental evaluation, and explore its enhancements over existing methods as well as the challenge of attacker decryption under open principle.
Harsh Parenting and Problematic Smartphone Use: The Chain Mediating Effects of Attention to Negative Information and Social Anxiety
Authors: Zhou Huiling , Wang Shuxuan , Lin Yunhan , Jiang Huaibin , Lu Jiamei
Published: November 2024

Harsh parenting (HP) has been shown to be associated with problematic smartphone use (PSU) among adolescents. However, few studies have explored the relationship between HP and PSU through a dual-system framework that integrates both emotional and cognitive processing. We aim to investigate the serial mediation effects of attention to negative information (ANI) and social anxiety (SA) in the relationship between HP and PSU among adolescents. The study involved 276 adolescents (mean age = 13.93; SD = 0.82; 42.4% boys) from two middle schools in southeastern China. We assessed HP, ANI, SA and PSU over three waves at three-month intervals. The result show that ANI (T2) serve as independent mediator between HP (T1) and PSU (T3). Also, ANI (T2) and SA (T2) serve as chain mediators between HP (T1) and PSU (T3). However, the direct effect of HP (T1) on SA (T2) was not significant. These findings suggest that ANI and SA serve as key cognitive and emotional mechanisms linking HP to PSU in adolescents.
Cost-effectiveness of different contraceptive methods to avoid unintended pregnancy among adolescents in China: A modeling analysis based on decision-tree modle
Authors: Luo Weihua , Wang Di , Xu Gan , Zhou Liangru
Published: November 2024

Background
The problem of unintended pregnancy among adolescent spreads worldwide. In this study, a decision-tree model was constructed to analyze the cost and effectiveness of different contraceptive methods in Chinese adolescents to avoid unintended pregnancy.
Methods
From a healthcare system perspective, evaluate the cost and effectiveness of combined oral contraceptive (COC), intrauterine device (IUD), levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and subdermal implant contraceptive methods used by 14.88 million women aged 15–24 years with contraceptive needs within 5 years in 2023. The cost parameters are derived from the China Medical Information Platform and healthcare service price literature. Effectiveness refers to avoided pregnancies, abortions, and births. The clinical parameters are derived from the WHO and published literature. Cost-effectiveness analysis is used to determine whether contraception measures are economical. Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis verify the robustness of the model.
Results
The cost of IUD is the lowest, and subdermal implant has the highest number of unintended pregnancies. The cost-effectiveness ratio shows that IUD has the best contraceptive effect, and it costs RMB 369.67 to avoid accidental pregnancy among adolescents. Compared with COC, IUD has significant contraceptive advantages and can achieve better clinical results at lower cost. LNG-IUS and subdermal implant are economical when compared with COC, with ICER of 7556.78 and 12271.85, both of which are lower than the GDP per head of China.
Conclusions
Faced with the growing demand for contraception among adolescents and high incidence of unintended pregnancies, adolescents can be encouraged to adopt LARC methods, especially IUD.
Crosswalk Traffic Light Detection for the Visually Impaired Based on Hybrid Classical-Quantum Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Jinghan , Tian Zhengan
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a novel two-step method combining classical and quantum computation to accurately detect crosswalk traffic lights for visually impaired pedestrians. The first step utilizes the improved YOLOv5 model to identify crosswalk traffic light locations. In the second step, the detected lights are processed using a single-layer quantum convolutional neural network with a newly designed parameterized quantum circuit. The proposed quantum circuit reduces the number of qubits and circuit depth required while maintaining high accuracy, making it suitable for noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. Experimental results demonstrate that our method has better performance compared to existing methods, achieving detection accuracy of 94.9%, precision of 95.4%, and the AUC reaches 0.98. These results also demonstrate the model’s robustness in complex traffic environments.
Study on the Mechanical Genesis Mechanism and Reservoir-Controlled Pattern of Strike-Slip Fault Pressure-Ridge Structures in the Shunbei Area,Tarim Basin
Authors: Ru¹ Zhixing , Yu Xinjing , Li Yingtao , Qiu Huabiao , Liu Shuang
Published: November 2024

The ultra-deep strike-slip fault-controlled hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Shunbei area are crucial for increasing reserves and production. However, the genesis mechanisms of the pressure-ridge structures and their reservoir-controlled patterns are not well understood, which directly limits exploration progress in this area. This study focuses on the strike-slip fault zones in the eastern Shunbei area. Based on fault structure analysis and finite element numerical simulation methods, the mechanical conditions and background of the formation of the pressure-ridge structures are investigated. Combined with typical drilling, 3D seismic data, and numerical simulation results, the reservoir-controlled pattern of strike-slip fault pressure-ridge structures is clarified. The results indicate that the formation of the pressure-ridge structures involves two main steps, initially, a near-vertical fault forms, followed by strong lateral compression. Additionally, the presence of the weak overlying cap rocks is essential for the development of these structures. In the lateral direction, the reservoir development exhibits a characteristic structure of a central fault core flanked by fracture zones. Vertically, it demonstrates a structure of shallow tensile cavities with weak compressional shear fractures, transitioning to deeper compressional breccia zones accompanied by strong compressional shear fractures. High-quality reservoirs are predominantly formed in the deeper layers along the fault. These findings are significant for enhancing the understanding of the genesis mechanisms of strike-slip faults within cratons in the Tarim Basin and for the exploration and evaluation of ultra-deep fault-controlled reservoirs in the Shunbei area.
Effectiveness of group-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in primary care: a pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Hrozanova Maria , Skarpsno Eivind Schjelderup , Follestad Turid , Kallestad Håvard , Pallesen Ståle , Nordstoga Anne Lovise , Møllerløkken Nina Elise , Rønning Astrid Sletteng , Meisingset Ingebrigt
Published: November 2024

Background: Insomnia is a prevalent disorder in the general population. However, access to the treatment of choice, cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), is very limited. Accessibility increases with group delivery and the aim of this trial was to investigate the effectiveness of a low-threshold group-delivered CBT-I implemented in primary care.
Methods: This pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted across 26 Healthy Life Centres in Norwegian primary care. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years and insomnia symptoms with a significant impact, defined as a score of ≥ 12 on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Eligible participants were randomized to group-delivered CBT-I or to a waiting list according to a 2:1 ratio using a computerized centre-stratified allocation sequence. The intervention consisted of four two-hour sessions during a 4-week period, with group sizes ranging from 5 to 15 participants. The primary outcome was self-reported insomnia severity at 3-months follow-up, measured by the ISI. Participants were not blinded to group assignment, but those responsible for analyses and interpretation of the results were blinded.
Results: A total of 308 participants were enrolled and randomly allocated to group-delivered CBT-I (n=181) or waiting list (n=127). In all, 126 (99.2%) participants on the waiting list and 179 (98.9%) receiving group-delivered CBT-I completed the ISI at baseline, while 115 (90.6%) participants on the waiting list and 153 (84.5%) receiving group-delivered CBT-I completed the ISI at 3-months follow-up. The mean difference in ISI score between groups at 3-months follow-up was -3.4 (95% CI: -4.3 to -2.5), favoring the group-delivered CBT-I. Of those receiving group-delivered CBT-I, 51 (33.6%) reported a clinically relevant improvement in insomnia severity (i.e., ≥8 points on ISI), compared to 15 (13.2%) on the waiting list (OR 3.4, 95% CI: 1.7 to 6.8). No major adverse events were reported by the participants.
Conclusions: Group-delivered CBT-I reduced insomnia severity at 3-months follow-up for adults with insomnia. These findings suggest that group-delivered CBT-I offered at Healthy Life Centres is a suitable low-threshold treatment for insomnia in primary care.
Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry on 17/11/2022 (ISRCTN16185698).
Exceptional Heat and Basin-Scale Connections in the Kuroshio-Oyashio Region in the Early 2020s
Authors: Minobe Shoshiro
Published: November 2024

This study investigates recent extreme conditions in the North Pacific, which began in the late 2010s and have intensified significantly by 2024, focusing on the Kuroshio-Oyashio region. The anomalies appear to have originated in the western North Pacific, linked to changes in the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents, while developments in the eastern North Pacific remained somewhat distinct. Sea surface temperature anomalies in the Kuroshio-Oyashio region have reached record-breaking levels, with deviations up to 6°C above the 1993–2022 average. Subsurface temperatures have also increased notably, accounting for 15.7% and 12.3% in the western and eastern North Pacific (28% combined) of the global ocean heat content increase in the 0–300 m layer between 2020s and 2010s. In the 2020s, the Kuroshio current extended northward to approximately 42°N along Japan’s coast, forming a loop-like pattern with a southward return flow, while the Kuroshio Extension in wider zonal extent also shifted northward. These oceanic anomalies are likely influenced by wind changes, with Sverdrup theory suggesting weakened subtropical gyres and a northward shift of the subtropical-subpolar gyre boundary. Further research is needed to fully understand, monitor, and predict these changes and their impacts on regional ecosystems.
A Novel Approach to Emergent Contextual Dynamics in Large Language Models Through Stochastic Interlayer Modulation
Authors: Lipish Nikas , Harris Mark , Martin Donald , Fairfax Orlando , Thorne Anastasia , Blackwell Beatrice
Published: November 2024

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence has led to the development of large language models capable of generating human-like text. However, these models often encounter challenges in maintaining contextual coherence and adaptability across diverse linguistic tasks. Introducing Stochastic Interlayer Modulation (SIM) offers a novel approach to dynamically reconfigure interlayer connections within the model architecture, thereby enhancing contextual understanding and semantic consistency. Through the integration of SIM into an open-source language model, empirical evaluations demonstrate significant improvements in performance metrics, including semantic coherence, response diversity, and syntactic accuracy. The findings underscore the potential of SIM to address inherent limitations in existing language models, paving the way for more adaptable and contextually aware natural language processing systems.
Evaluation of the batch consistency of herbal chromatographic fingerprints using a comprehensive and easy-to-compute method inspired by h index
Authors: Zhu Haoyu , Liu Rui , Gu Rongling , Fu Hai-Yan , Yang Qin , Xu Lu
Published: November 2024

Chromatographic fingerprints have been widely used for quality analysis of various herbs. Although many indices have been proposed to evaluate the similarity of herbal fingerprints, most of them are designated to evaluate pair similarity and the methods to measure batch consistency have been rarely discussed. Inspired by the popular h index, which has achieved great success in bibliometrics, this paper suggested a novel h multiple similarity index (HMSI) to evaluate the batch consistency of herbal fingerprints. HMSI was defined as: based on the pairwise similarity (ranged from [0, 1]) of all objects in the batch, if M% of all the pairwise similarity values is no less than M%, then the value of HMSI is M%. For applications, HMSI was used to evaluate the batch consistency of different herbal fingerprints, and the results were compared with those obtained by average similarity and median similarity. The results demonstrated that compared with average similarity and median similarity, HMSI is more reasonable to evaluate batch consistency of fingerprints and the herbal quality control system behind them. Similar to the original h index, HMSI not only includes the similarity intensity of objects in a batch, but also considered the quantity of objects with high similarity. HMSI was a simple, robust, easy-to-compute and yet comprehensive index to evaluate batch consistency of herbal fingerprints and herbal quality control system.
Pediatric Gaucher Disease with Secondary Malnutrition (Kwashiorkor)
Authors: Algutaini Safana Abdullah , Aljuma'ai Nabil
Published: November 2024

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GBA gene (Smith et al., 2017). It results in glucocerebrosidase deficiency, leading to the accumulation of glucocerebrosides in macrophages, causing systemic manifestations such as splenomegaly, anemia, and growth retardation (Hayes et al., 1998). This case report describes a 1-year and 5-month-old female diagnosed with GD, whose condition was further complicated by protein-energy malnutrition (Kwashiorkor) (Iaccarino Idelson et al., 2022). This report highlights the challenges of managing GD in resource-limited settings and emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach.
A Formação de Cuidadores de idosos: A Habilidade da Enfermagem na Qualificação Profissional e no Cuidado Humanizado
Authors: Miranda Ingrid Conceição Oliveira de , Soares Francisca Aulivangela Alves , Lopes Jéssica
Published: November 2024

No Brasil, o aumento da expectativa de vida exige que a formação de cuidadores vá além do domínio técnico, integrando aspectos emocionais e sociais no cuidado diário. Nesse contexto, a enfermagem desempenha um papel crucial tanto na capacitação desses profissionais quanto na promoção de um atendimento focado na dignidade e no bem-estar do idoso. O estudo tem como objetivo analisar o papel da enfermagem na formação e qualificação de cuidadores de idosos, com foco no desenvolvimento de habilidades técnicas e humanísticas, a fim de promover um cuidado eficiente e humanizado. Foi realizada uma revisão integrativa da literatura, com a análise de artigos publicados entre 2019 e 2024 em bases de dados como PubMed, BVS, MEDLINE, LILACS e SCIELO. Os resultados revelam que a enfermagem contribui significativamente na formação de cuidadores, transmitindo conhecimentos técnicos essenciais e promovendo práticas humanizadas, como a escuta ativa, a empatia e o respeito à individualidade dos idosos. A capacitação contínua é fundamental para que os cuidadores possam acompanhar a evolução das necessidades dos idosos e as inovações no cuidado. Além disso, a humanização no atendimento é um dos pilares dessa formação, sendo essencial para melhorar a qualidade de vida dos idosos. O estudo conclui que a atuação da enfermagem na formação de cuidadores de idosos é indispensável para garantir um cuidado qualificado e humanizado, que atenda às demandas físicas e emocionais da população idosa.
Rapid visual detection of Pasteurella multocida through recombinase polymerase amplification combined with lateral flow dipsticks
Authors: LI JINGJING , LI XUEQING , LI SHUANG , ZHU QIANLEI , WANG KEXIN , WANG LEI , WEI XIAOBING , TENG ZHANWEI , CHANG MEINAN , ZHANG XIULIN , ZHANG HUIHUI , LIU MINGCHENG , XIA XIAOJING
Published: November 2024

Pasteurella multocida (Pm) is a zoonotic pathogen that can cause severe diseases in humans. It is easily confused with swine fever and swine erysipelas in clinical diagnosis because of mixed infections. The aim was to develop a highly sensitive and specific clinical rapid method for the detection of Pm in swine. A specific recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification (RPA) primer was designed according to the kmt1 gene sequence of Pm. By optimizing the reaction temperature and time of RPA, a Pm detection method based on RPA-LFD was developed. The sensitivity, specificity, and clinical application of the method were evaluated. The results showed that the rapid RPA-LFD for the detection of Pm in swine could be completed within 40 min at 39°C, with the lowest detection limit of 1 × 10–6 copies · μL–1 and no cross-reactivity with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Glaesserella parvoviridis, Aeromonas hydrophilus, Listeria monocytogenes, Actinobacillus pleuopneumoniae, or Streptocuccus suis. The detection rate of the RPA-LFD method for 50 clinical samples was higher than that of the conventional PCR method and bacterial isolation. The RPA-LFD assay for Pm in swine developed in this study has the advantages of high specificity, high sensitivity, rapid detection, and ease of operation, which provides a new technical means for the field detection of Pm.
Monitoring of selected heavy metals, hematological and biochemical indicators in the blood of lacting dairy cows from the area of the active copper industry
Authors: KOŁACZ ROMAN , MORDAK RYSZARD , CWYNAR PRZEMYSŁAW , POGODA-SEWERNIAK KRYSTYNA , BUREK ANNA , DOBRZAŃSKI ZBIGNIEW
Published: November 2024

There is a well-developed copper industry in Poland. Copper mining and processing involves processes that emit numerous chemical pollutants, including heavy metals, into the environment. Blood was collected once in the summer of 2021 and 2022 from dairy cows (aged 3–5 years) kept in small herds in the Legnica-Głogów copper district (Lower Silesia, Poland). Selected toxic metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were determined in the whole blood of the cows, whereas hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, PLT, MCV, MCH, MCHC), biochemical parameters (AST, GGT, TAS) and minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, P inorganic) were measured in their blood serum. Generally, the indicators assessed were within reference values (with a few exceptions, e.g. Zn) and generally similar to those in cows kept in typically agricultural areas. This was also true of the toxic metals. The results provide no indication that the copper industry (LGOM) has a negative impact on the physiological condition of cattle.
Evaluating groundwater depletion under natural and induced stresses: a numerical modeling approach toward aquifer sustainability
Authors: Tewari Ankit , Singh Prabhat Kumar , Gaur Shishir , Kumar Ranveer , Mishra Shreyansh
Published: November 2024

The ever-increasing demand for freshwater has led to the overexploitation of aquifers. Despite its known importance, integrated studies reckoning the impact of external stress on budget components are limited. This study assessed the spatiotemporal impact of recharge and abstraction stresses in Lower Betwa River Basin (LBRB) aquifers, India, from 2003 to 2020, using SWAT and MODFLOW-NWT models. The simulated difference in groundwater inflow and outflow components was accounted by a net cumulative storage loss of 36.5 Mm3/year. Mann-Kendall trend analysis indicated that about 62 % of the LBRB showed a declining trend in groundwater levels (0 - 1.2 m/year), 30% of the area had no significant trend and around 8% area showed an increasing trend. Spatial storage variations indicated that 78% of basin area was under stable aquifer systems while 1.6% area was under very high storage stress. Application of management scenarios to reduce groundwater storage loss exhibited that a 20% reduction in abstraction rates would reduce storage loss by 29% and 16% in Bamaur and Gursarai blocks. An integrated approach of abstraction reduction and increased inflow through managed aquifer recharge was the most suitable management solution to offset groundwater depletion and achieve long term sustainability in the LBRB.
Enhancing flood forecasting and warning precision through multi-task deep learning approaches
Authors: Yoon Seong-Sim , Park Moonhyung
Published: November 2024

This study proposes a multi-task deep learning model for simultaneous prediction of time-series water levels and flood risk thresholds, aiming to enhance flood forecasting precision. Using AutoKeras, single-task and multi-task models were optimised to predict water levels 10–360 min ahead based on 720 min of prior data. The multi-task model consistently outperformed the single-task model across multiple evaluation metrics, including correlation coefficients, root mean squared error, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency, and Kling–Gupta efficiency scores. Real-time prediction tests on actual rainfall events further validated the multi-task model's improved accuracy and applicability in operational flood forecasting. The study demonstrates significant progress in flood prediction methodologies, offering a more comprehensive approach to forecasting and categorising flood incidents.
Water supply for refugees and their host communities in protracted situations: costs and financing options for sustaining services in Ethiopia and Uganda
Authors: Pearce Joseph , Verstraete Lavuun , Mutswenje Mark , Katsi Luckson , Magara Peter , Goyol Kitka , Butterworth John , Mondorf David , Henrike Klau-Panhans Daniela
Published: November 2024

This paper reports on a study to identify the actual costs of water supply in two contexts with long-term refugee populations: Itang in the Gambella region of Ethiopia and Rwamwanja in the Kamwenge District of Uganda. Following the initial rapid, overwhelming demand for services at these locations, the water services have evolved through different phases of investment with concerted efforts made to both improve services and reduce costs. Most recently, this has included the adoption of utility management models. In Itang, Ethiopia, the transition from emergency water supply and water trucking to a metered piped water network along with the establishment of a utility and a shift to solar power has significantly reduced the cost of supplying water from $11.38 per cubic metre (m3) to $0.93 per m3 between 2014 and 2024. In Rwamwanja, Uganda, the costs of water supply, including both capital investments and estimated operating costs, were $1.42 per m3 in the first phase and later reduced to $0.29 per m3 between 2012 and 2024. This paper seeks to provide evidence to support the discussion on how water services can be financed to meet the needs of refugees and their host communities on a sustainable basis.
Methods and Procedures for the Synthesis of 2- Deoxy-D-Glucose
Authors: Singh Raman , Gupta Vidushi , Singh Kuldeep
Published: November 2024

Many synthetic procedures for preparing 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) are
available in the literature. The synthesis of 2DG involves the modification of glucose at
2-position. Several methods to synthesize 2DG include glucose nitrosation and
reductive amination of 2-deoxy-D-arabinose. These methods are highly efficient and
produce high yields of 2DG. This chapter discusses various methods for synthesizing
2DG and their advantages and disadvantages. This chapter describes the different
approaches for synthesizing 2DG and how the choice of method affects its purity,
yield, and properties.
Developing a Resource Model of Power and Authority in Anonymous Online Criminal Interactions
Authors: Newsome-Chandler Helen , Grant Tim
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this paper is to provide both a theoretical foundation and apractical framework for analysing power and authority in online interactions.This is to assist forensic linguists and law enforcement in their understandingof anonymous online criminal networks, and the roles of individuals in theseonline communities. The lack of contextual knowledge present in anonymousonline fora creates a challenge for the analyst in finding a framework totheorise, explore, and describe different types of power performance and thusthe different roles of interactants in these fora. In this paper, we provide aframework to describe the basis on which individuals make claims to powerand use this framework to explore the nature and distribution of power acrossdifferent fora of both criminal and benign intent. This is developed throughan analysis of three online discussion fora, of approximately 160,000 words,resulting in a framework of nine main categories of power resource. Thisallows us to contrast the three fora, showing differences in the nature anddistribution of power resource, and also enables description of individualsas high-resource or low-resource with regards to their claims to power. Thistheory and framework can also be productive in the analysis of language andpower in computer mediated communication (CMC) more widely.
Leveraging Interoperable EHR Data for Distributed Analyses in Clinical Research: Technical Lessons from the HELP Study (Preprint)
Authors: Palm Julia , Saleh Kutaiba , Scherag André , Ammon Danny
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The Medical Informatics Initiative Germany (MII) established 38 Data Integration Centers (DIC) in university hospitals to improve healthcare and biomedical research through the use of electronic health record (EHR) data. To showcase the value of these DIC, the HELP Study was initiated as a use case. This study is a stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled trial designed to assess the impact of a computerized decision support system for managing staphylococcal bacteremia.

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we present the lessons learned during the use case from a technical perspective. Our goal is to outline the challenges encountered and the solutions implemented in our early-stage use of this new infrastructure. These insights are organized into three key areas: study-specific data definition and modeling, interoperable data integration and transformation, and distributed data extraction and analysis.

METHODS

An interdisciplinary team of clinicians, computer scientists, and statisticians created a Catalog of Items (COI) to identify data elements necessary for the study’s evaluation and developed a domain-specific information model. Data Integration Centers developed ETL pipelines to collect the disparate, site-specific EHR data and to transform it into a common data format. HL7® FHIR® and the Medical Informatics Initiative's Core Data Set profiles were adopted for consistent data representation across sites. Additionally, data not present in EHRs was gathered using electronic Case Report Forms. Analysis scripts were then distributed to the sites to preprocess the data locally, followed by a central analysis of the preprocessed data to generate the final overall results.

RESULTS

The use of FHIR to handle rich metadata and complex data structures proved critical to using EHR data at all. However, even with interoperable data across all sites, the presence of heterogeneous data sources and evolving project needs required a highly iterative and multidisciplinary approach. This applied to all phases of the project, starting with data definition and modelling followed by data integration and transformation and finally distributed data extraction and analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified six key lessons learned. Distributed analyses are essential for secondary usage of EHR data and so are interdisciplinary teams with diverse expertise. Successful EHR data analysis also requires reusable and sustainable systems for data processing, a strong focus on EHR data interoperability, and an overall improvement of the quality of clinical documentation. Finally, a high degree of iterativity direcly improves the adaptability needed to deal with the unpredictable and diverse nature of today's healthcare data sources. The experiences and findings from the study are helping to establish better data management practices for future multi-center, EHR-based research projects.
Identifying Optimal Testing Modalities to Increase COVID-19 Testing Access: Protocol for a Household Randomized Control Trial in Baltimore, MD (Preprint)
Authors: Duchen Jessica , Mueller Alexandra K , Ahmed Saifuddin , Perin Jamie , Borsuk Courtney , Trowell Joshua , Lowensen Kelly , Huettner Steven , Peytchev Andy , Farley Jason E , Mehta Shruti H , Jennings Jacky M
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected low-income, and racial and ethnic minority populations. Testing plays a critical role in disrupting disease transmission, but complex barriers prevent optimal testing access, particularly for Black and Latinx communities. There is limited evidence on optimal testing modalities to increase testing access for these populations.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the Community Collaboration to Combat COVID-19 (C-FORWARD) trial is to define optimal COVID-19 testing modalities for maximizing testing acceptance, uptake, and timeliness of results receipt.

METHODS

C-FORWARD is a household-randomized comparative effectiveness trial conducted in an urban population representative sample. Households across 653 census block groups were sampled using a probability proportional to size approach. The primary outcome was the completion of SARS-COV-2/COVID-19 testing within 30 days of randomization.

RESULTS

Between February 2021 and December 2022. 1,083 individuals (881 index participants and 202 household members) were enrolled. The mean age of participants was 51 (SD ±18) years. Forty-three percent of participants identified as Black or African American, 48.6% as white, and 9.0% as other, including Asian, American Indian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and multiple races. Five percent of participants identified as Hispanic or Latino. At the time of enrollment, 51.1% were currently working either full or part-time and 32.9% of participants had an advanced degree. Eighty percent of participants had been tested for COVID-19 previously, with 22.3% reporting having previously tested positive for COVID-19, and 86.8% of participants reported receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccination prior to enrollment.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from the C-FORWARD trial will be used to address important questions regarding COVID-19 testing acceptance and uptake in an urban population.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT04673292
Use of Digital Technology Among Older Adults in Poland With Near Visual Impairment (Preprint)
Authors: Lange Adrian , Lange Natalia , Jagiełło Kacper , Wojtyniak Bogdan , Zdrojewski Tomasz
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed many aspects of daily life, offering substantial benefits for health and well-being through telemedicine and telehealth services. However, disparities in access to these technologies, particularly among older adults with visual impairments, remain a significant concern.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the differences in access to and use of digital technologies between older adults in Poland with near visual impairment and those without.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the PolSenior2 project, a nationwide, multicenter survey conducted between 2018 and 2019. The sample included 5,872 community-dwelling Polish adults aged 60 and older, selected using a random, three-stage, proportional sampling method, stratified by age and sex. Self-reported data on access to and usage of digital technologies, including smartphones, computers, and internet access, were collected. Near visual acuity was assessed using the Snellen chart for near vision.

RESULTS

Older adults with near visual impairment had significantly lower odds of owning and using digital devices compared to those without visual impairment. Specifically, the odds of having and knowing how to use a smartphone (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.84), a computer (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.86), and having internet access (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.83) were notably lower among individuals with near visual impairment. Furthermore, these individuals were less likely to use the internet for tasks such as searching for information about goods and services (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Older adults with near visual impairment in Poland face significant barriers in accessing and using digital technologies. These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and improve digital inclusion for visually impaired seniors, ensuring they can benefit from the advantages of digital health solutions. Further research is required to develop and evaluate strategies to promote digital equity in this vulnerable population.
The Relationship Between Social Media Addiction and Medical Students' Self-Esteem
Authors: Gustianda Mochammad Rizka , Isrona Laila - , Nazar Julizar , Noer Mustafa , Sauma Eldi
Published: November 2024

Background: According to the most recent report, social media users in Indonesia have reached 40% of the country's total population, or about 106 million, based on the 2017 Tetra Pax Index survey. Numerous studies have shown that social media addiction exists in light of the increased usage of social media. Addiction to social media is one of the things that can damage one's self-esteem. Addiction to social media can make someone compare themselves to other people, which lowers their self-esteem.Aims: The purpose of this research is to ascertain how social media addiction and self-esteem relate to Universitas Andalas medical study program students in batches 2019, 2020, and 2021.Case Discussion: This study used a cross-sectional design, employed the Social Media Disorder Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale questionnaires, and included 141 respondents in total. The results showed that 24.8% of respondents were classified as social media addicts and 31.9% as having low self-esteem. The rank Spearman's analysis test revealed a significant correlation between social media addiction and self-esteem (r=-0.0168, p=0.024).Conclusion: Due to the constant advancement of new technologies and the significant growth in applications, social media addiction will continue to be a severe problem that can negatively impact a person's self-esteem even though using social media is a common and accepted modern behavior.
When do Ophthalmology Residents Study to Prepare for The National Exam?
Authors: Widyandana Doni , Widyaputri Felicia , Sasongko Muhammad Bayu , Supanji Supanji , Alam Irmastuti Lukitaning
Published: November 2024

Background: Ophthalmology residents are occupied with clinical services in the hospital. They only have limited time to study. Since 2022, we established a progress test for a residents to facilitate their study especially during the national examination preparation that is obligated to be completed once per year.Aims: To report the allocated time for completing the progress test by ophthalmology residents to inform educational centres about the recommended study time for residents.Case Discussion: Data from the online progress test that was available from the Gadjah Mada e-Learning (GAMEL) platform was extracted ana analysed. The test was concisted of 60 multiple questions and opened for two weeks with a 24 hour access time. In this study, the scores, the time of the test, and time spent to complete the test were descriptively and quantitatively analysed.Results: Overall, 42 out of 55 (76.4%) and 42 out of 56 (75.0%) residents completed the progress test with a total test attempt of 60 and 51 times in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The mean score achieved was 43.3 (min-max 3.3-70.0). Majority of residents (65.8%) access the test at between 16.00 - 23.00 Western Indonesian Time (WIT), while 19.8% and 14.4% at between 09.00 - 16.00 and 03.00 - 09.00 WIT. The mean time spent to complete the test was 55.2 +- 20.9 minutes.Conclusion: Most ophthalmology residents spent their time for completing the progress test after working hours with an average duration of less than an hour. Any national exam preparation programs can be scheduled in this time for better resident’s engagements.
Causes of Rural Urban Migration in Rwanda
Authors: Niyonzima Emmanuel
Published: November 2024

The primary objective of this research was to examine the factors behind rural-urban migration in developing countries, using Rwanda as a case study. Specifically, it sought to analyse the drivers of rural-urban migration in developing countries and the demographic influences on migrants. Only secondary data sources were utilized for this study. These secondary data were gathered through a review of reports from reputable institutions, as well as consultation of books, articles, and other scholarly materials. The findings indicate that rural-urban migration is prompted by a combination of push and pull factors. Push factors consist of factors such as diminished agricultural productivity, poverty, the aspiration for better opportunities, limited arable land, and high rates of unemployment. Conversely, pull factors encompass the attraction of more lucrative employment opportunities in urban centres, as well as access to improved services such as healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. Evidence also reveals certain demographic indicators that influence migration patterns. For instance, individuals within the middle age range exhibit a greater propensity to migrate compared to both younger and older age groups. Moreover, unmarried individuals are more likely to migrate than those who are married. Nevertheless, empirical evidence indicates that the factors compelling individuals to move from rural to urban areas outweigh those drawing them in the opposite direction in Rwanda. Consequently, in light of the aforementioned migration catalysts, it is advisable for the government to equitably allocate resources to both urban and rural regions, mobilize rural communities to enhance agricultural practices, and prioritize efforts to improve education in these areas.