bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETAKAFUL CONTRIBUTIONS MODEL USING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Yassine Kouach , Abderrahim EL Attar , Mostafa EL Hachloufi
Published: September 2023

Driven by the need to manage risk by the newly created Moroccan Takaful operators, the Moroccan Insurance and Social Welfare Control Authority has authorized the Central Reinsurance Company to create a ReTakaful window for the purpose of reinsuring Takaful operations. Nevertheless, the main challenge is determining the appropriate ReTakaful model for the Moroccan Islamic insurance sector by ensuring compliance with Shariah. With this in mind, this article aims to determine the optimal ReTakaful contributions model for the Moroccan Takaful industry via Machine Learning algorithms. We select the best model by comparing the performance of each algorithm. The achieved results of this study demonstrate the potential of using Machine Learning algorithms to compute ReTakaful contributions that are more suitable for Takaful operators and more optimal for the ReTakaful operator.
2d Helmert and Affine Coordinate Transformation Using the Least Squares Method: Trabzon Province in Turkey
Authors: YILMAZ Nazan
Published: September 2023

ED50 datum uses Hayford ellipsoid and Greenwich meridian as the prime meridian. In Turkey, ED-50 datum using Hayford ellipsoid was used until 2001, and ITRF datum using GRS80 ellipsoid was used after 2001. In order to use coordinate systems in different datums, different systems must be associated and transformed to each other. In this study, 2D transformation parameters from ED-50 datum to ITRF-96 datum have been determined. For transformation, common points from both the ED-50 and ITRF systems have been selected in Maçka and Ortahisar districts of Trabzon province. The two-dimensional similarity (Helmert) and the Affine transformation methods have been applied through common points with the aim at defining the relationship between the two systems in the study area. Some statistical information has been obtained representing the sensitivity of the transformation parameters and the transformation process. In addition, test points have been selected in the study areas and the ED-50 datum coordinates of test points have been transformed to the ITRF-96 coordinates through transformation parameters. The differences between the transformed coordinates and current coordinates of these test points have been taken. The root mean square error (RMSE), minimum and maximum errors and the mean absolute errors (MAE) values have been calculated for differences. All calculations in the study have been made using the MATLAB R2022b program.
Polypoid endometriosis mimicking malignancy: a clinicopathological analysis of 28 cases and literature review
Authors: Li Yang , Xu Qiqi , Li Linghui , Zhu Changkun , Fleming Elaine , Chen Hao , Zhou Feng
Published: September 2023

Background
Polypoid endometriosis (PEM) is rare benign tumors with morphological features resembling malignant tumors. We aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features and outcomes of patients with PEM, and compare them to cases of endometriosis with malignant transformation.
Methods
In total 28 PEM and 44 cases of endometriosis with malignant transformation were retrospectively analyzed. Data from each of the patients was collected including clinicopathological features, treatment, and outcomes for evaluation.
Results
In the PEM group patients were aged 30 to 63 years (mean, 40.7 years). The most common clinical symptoms were pelvic mass, irregular vaginal bleeding, and lower abdominal pain. The primary sites were ovary, posterior vaginal fornix, rectum, uterosacral ligament, and abdominal incision. The PEM tumors had a median maximum diameter of 5.3 cm (IQR, 3.1–7.9). The follow-up data in the PEM group showed that 23/27 patients survived without residual disease, 3/27 patients survived with residual endometriosis, 1/27 patient survived with endometriosis-malignant low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). Compared with patients in the endometriosis with malignant transformation group, there were statistically significant differences in age, menopause, dysmenorrhea, adenomyosis, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels, and tumor size.
Conclusions
PEM is a benign lesion and has a risk of malignant transformation. Patients with PEM were younger with a smaller tumor size and a higher CA125 level when compared to patients with endometriosis with malignant transformation, which provides important information for the correct diagnosis of PEM.
Analyzing the Chemical Compositions of Co-Based Materials in Blue-and-White Porcelains from the Yuan Dynasty
Authors: Lu XIONG , YU Yongbin , Jinwei LI , Qiang WU , Lin WU , Yinjie YUAN , Dan Li , Qijiang LI
Published: September 2023

The blue-and-white porcelains from the Chinese Yuan Dynasty include different ornamentation effects, such as bow string and main patterns. In this study, ten pieces of blue-and-white porcelains from the Jingdezhen Ceramic University Museum were examined using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence to reveal the chemical compositions of their microzones. Three key findings were obtained. First, the Co-based material used in the specimens was imported ore with high Fe and low Mn contents, with certain amounts of Ni and As. Second, the bow-string and main patterns had different (Fe + Mn)/Co ratios; the main patterns had lower ratios, suggesting a purer Co material. Third, the differences in the elemental ratios were verified against a historical purification process, whereby the main pattern was speculated to be painted with purified Co-based materials. Finally, the material differences that began to appear during the Yuan Dynasty, which influenced the painting of blue-and-white porcelains in the Ming and Qing dynasties, were investigated. This study provides a new perspective on the blue-and-white porcelains from the Yuan Dynasty and the development of decoration systems for Chinese blue-and-white porcelain paintings.
The Role of Human Capital and Stress for Cost Awareness in the Healthcare System: A Survey among German Hospital Physicians
Authors: Lüdemann Christoph , Gerken Maike , Hülsbeck Marcel
Published: September 2023

Background
Germany has the highest per capita health care spending among EU member states, but its hospitals face pressure to generate profits independently due to the government's withdrawal of investment cost coverage. The diagnosis related groups (DRG) payment system was implemented to address the cost issue, challenging hospital physicians to provide services within predefined prices and an economic target corridor to reduce costs. This study examines the extent of cost awareness among medical personnel in German hospitals and its influencing factors.
Methods
Using an online survey, participants across all specialties in hospitals estimated the prices in euros of four common interventions and answered questions about their human capital and perceived stress on the workplace. As a measure of cost awareness, the probability of estimating the prices correctly within a reasonable corridor was used. We employed logit, probit, and rare events logistic regression estimators to identify influencing factors and ensure the robustness of results in a sample of 344 observations.
Results
The results revealed that most of the respondents were unaware of the costs of common interventions. General human capital, acquired through prior education, and job-specific human capital had no influence on cost awareness, whereas domain-specific human capital, that is, gaining economic knowledge based on self-interest, had a positive nonlinear effect on cost awareness. Furthermore, an increased stress level negatively influenced cost awareness.
Conclusions
This paper is the first of its kind for the German health care sector that contributes responses to the question whether health care professionals in German hospitals have cost awareness and if not, what reasons lie behind this lack of knowledge. Our findings show that the cost awareness desired by the introduction of the DRG system has yet to be achieved by medical personnel.
The green strategy for recombinant protein production in maize using mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Mozafari Atena , Rad Nima , Arpanaei Ayyoob , Salmanian Ali Hatef
Published: September 2023

Reliable techniques for successful gene transfer and propagation of plants are of central importance in basic and applied research. In maize, conventional transformation and regeneration consist of difficult, time-consuming, and cultivar-dependent procedures. To overcome these problems here, we develop a strategy to utilize an efficient, reproducible, rather simple, and cost-effective system in gene transfer to maize without any need for complicated devices. For this purpose, we explore the transformation and expression of a designed protein (LHN2F) in maize seeds using poly-ethyleneimine-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (PEI-MSNs) and ultrasonic treatment. The plasmid pCAMBIA3301 harboring the lhn2f and bargenes is first loaded on the PEI-MSNs and then delivered using the ultrasonic treatment to mature maize seeds. Visual screening by the herbicide and laboratory procedures involving PCR, western blotting, ELISA, and RP-HPLC were used to identify recombination events. Up to 40 % of treated seeds were grown in herbicide medium and expressed the desired protein. This methodology has the potential to become an effective tool for maize genome manipulation and editing without the involvement of any tissue culture procedure.
Statistical approach for the imputation of long- term seawater data around the Korean Peninsula from 1966 to 2021
Authors: Kwak Myeong-Taek , Lee Kyunghwan , Ceong Hyi-Thaek , Oh Seungwon
Published: September 2023

Climate change is a global phenomenon that significantly impacts the ocean environment around the Korean Peninsula. These changes in climate can lead to rising sea temperatures, thereby significantly affecting marine life and ecosystems in the region. In this study, four statistical approaches were employed to analyze ocean characteristics around the Korean Peninsula: layer classification, imputation for replacing missing values, evaluation using statistical tests, and trend analysis. The ocean was first classified into three layers (surface layer, middle layer, and bottom layer) to characterize the sea area around Korea, after which multiple imputation methods were employed to replace missing values for each layer. The imputation method exhibiting the best performance was then selected by comparing the replaced missing values with high-quality data. Additionally, we compared the slope of the water temperature change around the Korean Peninsula based on two temporal inflection points (2000 and 2009). Our findings demonstrated that the long-term change in water temperature aligns with previous studies. However, the slope of water temperature change has tended to accelerate since 2009.
MPPT Control of a Solar Pumping System Based Five-Phase Impedance Source Inverter Fed Induction Motor
Authors: Hassan Ahmed M. , Hassan Abd El-Wahab , Metwally Mohamed Eladly
Published: September 2023

In this paper a control method is proposed for a system composed of PV array, five-phase impedance source inverter, five-phase induction motor and centrifugal pump. This method is based on controlling the motor speed to control the pump power as the insolation level or temperature change to attain the maximum power extraction from the PV-array. The motor speed is controlled by using artificial neural network which is trained to provide the desired inverter frequency and modulation index at any insolation level and temperature to attain the maximum PV operating power. The data of the neural network are based on the operation of the induction motor at constant air gap flux and perturb and observe method for maximum power point tracking. Simulation results are obtained using MATLAB Simulink to verify the proposed control method.
Use of modern contraceptive methods among youth in the Alunguli health zone, city of Kindu, Maniema Province in the DRC: Impact evaluation study of the Bomoyi SANRU asbl project
Authors: Olela Michel Loseke , Nkodila Aliocha Natuhoyila , Kigoma Pascal , José Assani Tutu , Lukanu Philippe Ngwala , N’siala Adrien Kumbi , Kalonji Albert Ntumba , Kintaudi Léon Ngoma Miezi , Likwela Joris Losimbo , Ndela Britu
Published: September 2023

Background
The use of contraceptive methods remains an imperative for birth spacing. The Bomoyi project of SANRU Asbl, has invested during the last 3 years to improve its use among adolescents. The objective of this study was to assess the level of contraceptive use among youth in the Alunguli health zone.
Methods
The study was conducted in the Alunguli Health Zone, one of 18 health zones in the Maniema Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical purpose from June 1 to December 31, 2021. A stratified sample of 345 youth records was randomly selected. The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS 14.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences).
Results
The rate modern contraceptive methods use among youth in the Alunguli Health Zone was 36.8%. The majority (58.3%) used condoms. Age, gender, education level, occupation and religion of youth were the determinants associated with low use of modern contraceptive methods among youth in the Alunguli Health Zone.
Conclusion
The use of modern contraceptive methods by young people in the Alunguli health zone was much higher than the provincial average of 10.4% noted in Maniema in 2018 for women aged 15 to 49 who were married or in union, or the average of 0% among unmarried women in the same age bracket.
On-line gradient monitoring during plug-flow hydrolysis: a tool to support flexible operation?
Authors: Menzel Theresa , Neubauer Peter , Junne Stefan
Published: September 2023

Hydrolysis at changing hydraulic retention time (HRT), recirculation, bedding straw content in the feed, bioaugmentation and the impact of those changes on gradient formation in the liquid phase in plug-flow reactors (PFRs) was examined. The pH, conductivity and oxidation-reduction-potential (ORP) were monitored at three spots along the PFRs to study potential correlations of gradient formation to process performance during a total process time of 123 weeks. Local on-line monitoring showed good correlations to acidogenesis: namely the pH and ORP to the acidification, to butyric (and lactic) acid concentration and to the acid yield. The ORP (inlet) showed the most stable correlation to acidogenesis under dynamic operation, while the conductivity (outlet) correlated to the acid concentration in dependance on the feedstock. Multiple measurement spots as used in this study allow to gain more information about acidogenic fermentation than a single measurement spot, simplifying process control and automation attempts with recalcitrant feedstock.
Diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasound in cytologicaldiagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Huang Ruijuan , Cong Shuzhen , Liang Yanyan , Lin Zhenyi
Published: September 2023

Background: To explore the differential diagnostic value of multimodal ultrasound (US) in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytological (IC) findings.
Methods: A total of 61 thyroid nodules (Bethesda Ⅲ/Ⅳ/Ⅴ) that underwent both fine needle aspiration biopsy and surgical treatment were analyzed, including 37 malignant and 24 benign nodules. Differences in sonographic characteristics between the benign and malignant nodules were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to construct the prediction models of conventional US, superb microvascular imaging (SMI), ultrasound elastography (UE), and multimodal US. Evaluation sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of malignant thyroid nodules with IC using conventional US, SMI, UE, and multimodal US were performed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated and compared.
Results: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 62.05%, 64.86%, and 63.93% for conventional US, 70.83%, 72.97%, and 72.13% for SMI, 83.33%, 83.78%, and 83.61% for UE, and 91.67%, 91.89%, and 91.80% for multimodal US, respectively. The AUC values for conventional US, SMI, UE, and multimodal US in evaluating benign and malignant thyroid nodules with IC were 63.7%, 71.9%, 83.6%, and 86.70%, respectively. Multimodal US results showed the best diagnostic efficacy in malignant nodule diagnosis.
Conclusions: Initial clinical results suggest that conventional US, SMI, and UE are valuable in the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules with IC. Multimodal US imaging improves the diagnostic efficacy in diagnosis of malignant nodules and has provides additional information for differentiating malignant and benign nodules.
SmTIR1 positively regulates the growth and root development of Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Qiu Lin , Zheng Yuwei , Wang Wei , Zhang Lei , Zhao Ziyang , Gao Yuanyuan , Yang Dongfeng , Zhang Shuncang
Published: September 2023

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza are widely used as medicinal materials in China and other East Asian countries. Root morphology and development are important factors that affect the quality and yield of this herb, but the molecular mechanism underlying root morphogenesis in S. miltiorrhiza remains elusive. Auxin is one of the main phytohormones that regulate root development in plants, and auxin receptor transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1) plays pivotal roles in this biological process. In this study, SmTIR1 gene was cloned and transgenic S. miltiorrhiza plantlets were obtained to investigate the function of SmTIR1 in root development of S. miltiorrhiza. As the results shown, SmTIR1 positively regulated the growth and root development in S. miltiorrhiza. The SmTIR1 overexpression lines showed increased leaf number, root biomass, lateral root number, and lateral root diameter. The SmTIR1 RNAi lines showed the opposite morphological indices compared with the SmTIR1 overexpression lines. Besides, the contents of phenolic acids in leaves of SmTIR1 overexpression lines were remarkedly increased, but accumulation of bioactive compounds in roots of SmTIR1 transgenic S. miltiorrhiza was did not altered compared with the control. The RNA-seq analysis was performed and a total of 26 differential expressed genes in the auxin signaling pathway were identified in SmTIR1 RNAi lines, these genes may be relevant to the SmTIR1 regulated growth and root development in this species. Our results shed new light on the molecular mechanism of root morphogenesis of S. miltiorrhiza and is helpful to improve the quality of this herb with biological method in the production practice.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Systematic Review
Authors: Maleknia Pedram D. , Hale Andrew T. , Savage Cody , Blount Jeffrey P. , Rocque Brandon G. , Rozzelle Curtis J. , Johnston James M. , Jones Jesse GA
Published: September 2023

Background Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVF) are arteriovenous shunts in communication with the dural vasculature in the brain or spine. Apart from single-center series, risk factors and treatment outcomes for pediatric dAVFs are largely undescribed. Methods We performed a systematic literature review of pediatric (< 18 years at diagnosis) intracranial and spinal dAVF according to PRISMA guidelines. We queried PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Embase databases without time/date restriction. Search strings included a variety of MeSH keywords relating to dural AV fistulas in combination with MeSH keywords related to pediatric cases (see Appendix). Manuscripts describing patients diagnosed with dural sinus malformations or pial AVF were excluded. Results We identified 61 studies describing 69 individual patients. Overall, dAVF were more common in males (55.1%) with a mean age of diagnosis (5.17 ± 4.42 years). Approximately 20.2% of patients presented with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and 31.9% were discovered incidentally on neuroimaging studies. Transverse-sigmoid junction was the most common location (17.3%). Ninety-three percent (64 patients) were treated, most commonly using endovascular embolization (68.1%) followed by surgery (8.7%) and radiosurgery (2.9%). Almost half (43.8%) of dAVFs were completely obliterated. Of the 64 procedures, there were 19 neurological complications (29.7%) of varying severity where 12.5% were considered transient (i.e., pseudomeningocele) and 17.2% permanent (i.e., mortality secondary to acute sinus thrombosis, etc.). Conclusion There is a paucity of information on pediatric dAVFs. This systematic review summarizes the published cases of dAVFs in the pediatric population. While the rate of missing data is high, there is publication bias, and precise details regarding complications are difficult to ascertain, this review serves as a descriptive summary of pediatric dAVFs.
Non-Emergency Department (ED) Interventions to Reduce ED Utilization: a Scoping Review
Authors: Nummedal Målfrid Asheim , Bjørnsen Lars Petter , King Sarah , Pedersen Sindre Andre , Uleberg Oddvar
Published: September 2023

Background: Emergency department (ED) crowding is a global burden. Interventions to reduce ED utilization have been widely discussed in the literature, but previous reviews have mainly focused on specific interventions or patient groups within the EDs. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify, summarize, and categorize the various types of non-ED-based interventions designed to reduce unnecessary visits to EDs. Methods: This scoping review followed the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and the PRISMA-SCR checklist. A comprehensive structured literature search was performed in the databases MEDLINE and Embase from 2008 to January 2023. The inclusion criteria covered studies reporting on interventions outside the ED aimed at reducing ED visits. Two reviewers independently screened the records and categorized the included articles by intervention type, location, and targeted population. Results: Among the 9,799 screened records, we included 139 studies, comprising 114 intervention studies and 25 systematic reviews. In the primary studies, care coordination/case management or other care programs were most commonly examined across 13 categories of interventions. The majority of interventions took place in clinics or medical centers, in patients' homes, or in primary care settings - and targeted patients with a specific medical conditions. Conclusion: A large number of studies have been published investigating interventions to mitigate the influx of patients to the EDs. Many of these targeted patients with specific medical conditions, frequent users and high-risk patients. Further research is also needed to address other high prevalent groups in the ED - including older adults and mental health patients (who are ill but may not need the ED). There is also room for further research on new interventions to reduce ED utilization in low-acuity patients and in the general patient population.
Original Artical Predictive value of bone turnover markers and thyroid indicators for bone metabolism in GD patients after treatment
Authors: Su Mengxue , Chai Jinyan , Zheng Wei , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , He Yajing , Zhang Ruiguo , Men Jianlong , Liu Wei , Shi Tao , Ren Jing , Dong Liyan , Liu Luyi , Meng Zhaowei
Published: September 2023

Purpose To investigate the relationship between bone turnover markers (BTMs) and thyroid indicators in Graves' disease (GD) and to further assess predictive value of changes in early stage retrospectively.Methods We studied 435 patients with GD and 113 healthy physical examiners retrospectively and followed up these two groups of patients after 6 months. We investigated the correlations between BTMs and other 15 observed factors, and analyzed the predictive value of FT3 and FT4 before and after treatment (FT3-P/ FT3-A, FT4-P/ FT4-A) on whether BTMs recoveried.Results The levels of thyroid hormones and BTMs in GD group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05) and decreased after 6 months of treatment. FT3, W, Ca and ALP were independent factors in predicting the elevation of OST. Duration of disease, FT3, TSH and ALP were independent factors in predicting the elevation of P1NP. Age, duration of disease, TRAb and ALP were independent factors in predicting the elevation of CTX-1. The AUC of FT3-P/ FT3-A and FT4-P/ FT4-A for predicting OST recovery were 0.748 and 0.705 (P < 0.05), respectively, and the cut-off values were 0.51 and 0.595. There was no predictive value for P1NP and CTX-1 recovery (P > 0.05).Conclusions BTMs were abnormally elevated in GD and were significantly correlated with serum levels of FT3, FT4, TRAb, Ca, and ALP. FT3 decreased more than 51% and FT4 dropped more than 59.5% after 6 months of treatment were independent predictors for the recovery of BTMs in GD.
Total component transformation of corn stalk to ethyl levulinate assisted by ionic liquid pretreatment
Authors: Wang Yixiang , Zheng Xiao , Lin Xiaoqi , Liu Xuebin , Han Dezhi , Zhang Qinqin
Published: September 2023

The conversion from widely available and inexpensive crop stalk to high-value platform chemicals through highly selective catalytic liquefaction under mild conditions is one of the effective ways for biomass utilization. In this work, a two-step "lignin-first" process was used to remove lignin from corn stalk (CS) with protonic ionic liquid [B2-HEA][OAc] as the pretreatment agent, followed by targeted conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethyl levulinate (EL) using alcoholic liquefaction technology. The optimal pretreatment conditions of CS and liquefaction conditions for the conversion of pretreated CS to EL were investigated. The highest recoveries of cellulose and hemicellulose were 83.78% and 67.20% as well the delignification rate of lignin was 70%, respectively, at the maximum biomass loading (liquid-solid ratio of 10:1), pretreatment temperature of 130°C and pretreatment time of 5 h. And the maximum EL yield of was up to 39.93% at the liquefaction temperature of 190°C with the liquefaction time of 90 mins. Meanwhile, the crystallinity, thermal stability, functional group and morphology of CS, pretreated CS and liquefied residue were carried out using x-ray diffractometer, thermal gravimetric analyzer, fourier transform infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscope. It was suggested the lignin was effectively removed from corn stalk by ionic liquid pretreatment. Compared to original CS, the cellulose crystallinity index (CrI) of pretreated CS was reduced from 37.17–35.39%, and the surface of the pretreated CS became rough because of regular structure in cellulose broken by the ionic liquid.
Methodological Criteria for the Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Rocchi Paolo
Published: September 2023

Over a dozen constructions have been proposed to untangle the foundations of quantum mechanics (QM). The authors have spent a lot of energy in establishing formal solutions but, to the best of my knowledge, have not carefully examined the methodological problems that arise before beginning a theoretical construct in QM. This paper argues on the following methodological obstacles:
1. The definitional and computational formulas.
2. The different theories of probability.
We have also tried to solve problems 1 and 2, but the complete illustration of this attempt exceeds an article’s length, so this paper is limited to presenting 1 and 2, and discussing the intellectual and formal assumptions that should be necessary to unify the theories of probability.
A compartmental models for smoking dynamics in Italy: A pipeline for inference, validation, and forecasting under hypothetical scenarios
Authors: Lachi Alessio , Viscardi Cecilia , Cereda Giulia , Carreras Giulia , Baccini Michela
Published: September 2023

We propose a compartmental model for investigating smoking dynamics in an Italian region. Calibrating the model on local data from 1993 to 2019, we estimate the probabilities of starting and quitting smoking and the probability of smoking relapse. Then, we forecast the evolution of smoking prevalence until 2043 and assess the impact on mortality in terms of attributable deaths. We introduce elements of novelty with respect to previous studies in this field, including a formal definition of the equations governing the model dynamics and a flexible modelling of smoking probabilities based on cubic regression splines. We estimate model parameters by defining a two-step procedure and quantify the sampling variability via a parametric bootstrap. We propose the implementation of cross-validation on a rolling basis and variance-based Global Sensitivity Analysis to check the robustness of the results and support our findings. Our results suggest a decrease in smoking prevalence among males and stability among females, over the next two decades. We estimate that, in 2023, 18% of deaths among males and 8% among females are due to smoking. We test the use of the model in assessing the impact on smoking prevalence and mortality of different tobacco control policies, including the tobacco-free generation ban recently introduced in New Zealand.
Evaluation of the pKa's of Quinazoline Derivatives : Usage of Quantum Mechanical Based Descriptors
Authors: Kiran Melisa , Haslak Zeynep Pinar , Ates Halit , Aviyente Viktorya , Akin Fatma Ahu
Published: September 2023

In this study, several quantum mechanical-based computational approaches have been used in order to propose accurate protocols for predicting the pKa’s of quinazoline derivatives, which constitute a very important class of natural and synthetic compounds in organic, pharmaceutical, agricultural and medicinal chemistry areas. Linear relationships between the experimental pKa’s and nine different DFT descriptors (atomic charge on nitrogen atoms (Q(N), ionization energy (I), electron affinity (A), chemical potential (µ), hardness (η), electrophilicity index (ω), fukui functions (f+, f−), condensed dual descriptor (Δf) and local hypersoftness (\({s}_{k}^{\left(2\right)}\)) were considered. Several DFT methods (a combination of five DFT functionals and two basis sets) in conjunction with two different implicit solvent models were tested, and among them, M06L/6-311 + + G(d,p) level of theory employing the CPCM solvation model was found to give the strongest correlations between the DFT descriptors and the experimental pKa’s of the quinazoline derivatives. The calculated atomic charge on N1 atom (Q(N1)) was shown to be the best descriptor to reproduce the experimental pKa’s (R2 = 0.927), whereas strong correlations were also derived for A, ω, µ, \({s}_{k}^{\left(2\right)}\) and Δf. The QM-based protocols presented in this study will enable fast and accurate high-throughput pKa predictions of quinazoline derivatives and the relationships derived can be effectively used in data generation for successful machine learning models for pKa predictions.
Restoration techniques for degraded steppe courses: diachronic study in the Laghouat region (southern Algeria)
Authors: Saliha MAIDI , Fateh AMGHAR
Published: September 2023

Desertification of Steppe courses has become a major issue for Algeria because of huge loss of areas that have reached an irreversible stage of degradation. Therefore, soil and plant characteristics has been changed over the years causing the loss of ecosystem functions. In this context, the managers of Algerian state have acted to remedy the consequences of these ecological troubles, due to inappropriate human practices and accentuated by the harshness of the climate. In this diachronic study in the Laghouat region, 540 floristic samples and 180 soil samples were carried out to test some techniques for restoring degraded courses. It is about a combination of the grazing exclosure and some practical developments of soil (tillage) that are subdivided into mechanical methods (decompacting) and biological ones (adding: manure and mulch; watering; sowing of steppe species). The results have shown that these practices have several effects on floristic and soil parameters in short period (2 years). In fact, by these practices, a stimulation of plant species development has been observed. This has been detected by the increase in diversity index, plant cover and litter as well as the soil organic matter rate for all plots. On the other hand, the decrease in the bare ground surface. This increase is much greater in plots where decompacting with manure in first order and decompacting with sowing techniques have been applied. The technique of decompacting with mulching had a particular effect in the amount of litter with the technique of decompacting with sowing. The decompacting with watering has influenced phosphorus by promoting its availability. Decompacting all alone, which was the least effective, has increased the rate of coarse elements. According to these results, the soil-vegetation balance has been reinstalled by improving soil fertility and structure.
Post-Transcriptional Gene Silencing of Glucanase Inhibitor Protein in Phytophthora Cinnamomi
Authors: Ferreira Patrick , Chahed¹ Abdessalem , Seixas Natália , Costa Rodrigo , Choupina Altino Branco
Published: September 2023

Ink Disease is considered one of the most significant causes contributing to the decline of chestnut orchards. The reduced yield of Castanea sativa Mill can be attributed to two main species: Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora cambivora, being the first the main pathogen responsible for ink disease in Portugal. P. cinnamomi is a highly aggressive and widely distributed plant pathogen, capable of infecting nearly 1,000 host species. This oomycete causes substantial economic losses and is accountable for the decline of numerous plant species in Europe and worldwide. To date, no effective treatments are available to combat these pathogens. Given chestnut’s economic and ecological significance, particularly in Portugal, it is crucial to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between Phytophthoraspecies and host plants. This can be achieved through the study of the glucanase inhibitor protein (GIP) produced by P. cinnamomi during infection. The technique of RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to suppress the gip gene of P. cinnamomi. The resulting transformants, carrying the silenced gene, were used to infect C. sativa, allowing for the assessment of the effects of gene silencing on the plant's phenotype. Additionally, bioinformatics tools predicted the secretion of GIP protein. The obtained results validate RNAi as a potential alternative tool for studying molecular factors and for controlling and managing P. cinnamomi.
An Examination of the Social Skills of Preschool-Age Children with Cochlear Implants
Authors: KUTLU Sevgi , YÜCEL Esra
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The preschool period is the most critical time for the development of social skills. Children with cochlear implants experience challenges in many domains, particularly including communication skills. This study aimed to compare the social skills (initiation, academic support, friendship, and emotion regulation skills) of preschool-age children with cochlear implants to those of their hearing peers. The second aim was investigate the influence of unilateral/bilateral cochlear implant use and preschool attendance on social skills.
Method: Thirty-four children (16 girls, 18 boys) with cochlear implants with a mean age of 53.18 months and 36 hearing children (21 girls, 15 boys) with a mean age of 53.92 months were included in this study. The social skills of the hearing children and the children with cochlear implants were compared using the Preschool Social Skills Evaluation Scale. The influence of unilateral/bilateral cochlear implant use and the effect of preschool attendance on social skills were also investigated.
Findings: The performances of children with cochlear implants were significantly lower than those of their hearing peers in terms of initiation skills, academic support skills, friendship skills, and emotion regulation skills (p < .05). Bilateral cochlear implant users had significantly higher initiation skills than unilateral cochlear implant users, and cochlear implant users who attended preschool had significantly higher academic support skills than cochlear implant users who did not attend preschool.
Discussion: Preschool-age children with cochlear implants were behind their hearing age-mates in social skills and required increased educational support to promote their social skills. Being a bilateral cochlear implant user and attending preschool education had positive effects on social skills.
Association of Severe Disease Activity with Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cohort Study from Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan
Authors: Fatima Tooba , Imran Yaser , Ghias Mamoona , Siddique Samara , Shabbir Bilquis , Islam Asif , Nazar Tazeen , Aziz Bilal
Published: September 2023

Background: The peripheral joints are particularly vulnerable to the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often exhibit symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis is connected with increased morbidity and death. Objective: This study aimed to examine whether or not rheumatoid arthritis patients who had high levels of disease activity also developed metabolic syndrome. Methods: The cohort study was conducted on 64 patients (32 in each group), included via Non-probability convenient sampling. Disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS-28 score) was used to assess the severity of disease activity in patients of rheumatoid arthritis and two groups were developed i.e. group I with score ≥3.2 and group II with score
Are Negative Weights in Combining Forecasts So Bad?
Authors: Surkov A. A.
Published: September 2023

Purpose of the study. In this paper, we consider the problem of negativity of weight coefficients when combining forecasts. Combining forecasts as a method has long ago proved itself in practice as a good way to improve forecast accuracy. However, in the literature little attention is paid to the issue of negative weights during aggregation, although the cases of obtaining such weights in practice are quite common. The reasons why this may happen are not considered or analyzed. Often, when obtaining weights less than zero, such weights are reset to zero, thus excluding the information contained in the particular forecasting method from the combination, which may reduce the accuracy of the combined forecast. In this regard, it is important to understand why when combining forecasts, negative weight can be obtained and determine options for how to avoid such situations in combining without losing accuracy.

Materials and methods. It is proposed to consider various approaches to eliminate excluded weights when combining forecasts, including truncation of weight coefficients or imposing restrictions on them, including the option of sequential combining of forecasts.

Results. The result is a list of reasons why negative weights can be obtained when combining forecasts, what risks they have and how to avoid them.

Conclusion. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the negative weights themselves when combining forecasts can be triggers for identifying problems when combining. However, it is dangerous to retain them, as they can lead to uncertain prediction results and degrade the accuracy of the resulting combined forecast. The proposed methods of work allow you to bypass the negativity of the weights without a strong deterioration in forecasting.
Spillover effects of internal audit effectiveness among commercial banks
Authors: Thanh Hanh Hoang , Tien Dung Ngo
Published: September 2023

This study explores the multifaceted landscape of factors influencing the effectiveness of internal audit within the context of Vietnamese commercial banks. While a plethora of literature exists on the determinants of internal audit effectiveness, an unexplored dimension is the examination of spillover effects amongst companies operating within the same industry. This research addresses this gap by investigating not only the factors that impact the effectiveness of internal audit in Vietnamese commercial banks but also the inter-bank spillover effects of such effectiveness. Utilizing data obtained from 24 commercial banks listed on the Vietnam Stock Exchange and Vietnam Upcom (The Unlisted Public Company Market), we employ a Bayesian spatial regression model (a robust analytical tool) to conduct comprehensive analyses of the interrelationships and co-movements of internal audit effectiveness across these banks. Our findings offer empirical support for the positive effects of key determinants, namely, the "Competence of the IA Department," "IA Independence," and "Management Training Ground," on the effectiveness of internal audit in Vietnamese commercial banks. Notably, our results also validate the significant positive inter-bank spillover effect of internal audit effectiveness. This underscores the importance for banks to collectively prioritize measures aimed at enhancing the quality of internal audit, including the establishment of a joint internal audit association and the organization of collaborative training initiatives for internal audit personnel.
Drivers to Adopt Activities Framed within Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Herrera Arango Mariana , Restrepo Campuzano Laura , Orozco Mendoza Gina Lia , Hincapié Llanos Gustavo Adolfo , Zartha Sossa Jhon Wilder
Published: September 2023

Human activity in the agricultural sector has had environmental and social consequences on the sustainability of production practices. In environmental terms, conventional agriculture causes soil erosion, pollution and high consumption of bodies of water, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, among others. Through a systematic literature review, this article aims to identify the drivers that lead farmers to adopt or take on activities within sustainable agriculture. A search equation was designed with the most appropriate keywords, retrieving 118 articles. From the first filter, 47 articles were selected and read in full. A matrix was built with the following criteria: country of study, agricultural sector, activity adopted, driver, and its classification as external or internal to the farmer. Vantage Point 10.0 software was used to graph and analyze the results. Two hundred fifty-nine drivers were found. The main ones were education, membership in farmer organizations, family income, land tenure, access to the market, information and credit, farm size, age, and experience. The drivers can contribute to new studies on adopting or accepting these drivers in agricultural activities framed within sustainable agriculture.
Developing a Theoretically Informed Implementation Model for Telemedicine-Delivered Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: Qualitative Study With Key Informants
Authors: Tay Wee Teck Joseph , Gittins Rosalind , Zlatkute Giedre , Oteo Pérez Alberto , Galea-Singer Susanna , Baldacchino Alexander
Published: September 2023

Background

Telemedicine-delivered medication for opioid use disorder (TMOUD) has become more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in North America. This is considered a positive development as TMOUD has the potential to increase access to evidence-based treatment for a population heavily affected by the opioid crisis and consequent rising mortality and morbidity rates in relation to opioid use disorder. Despite the increase in the use of TMOUD, there are no established service- and process-focused models to guide the implementation of this intervention.

Objective

This study aims to develop a process- and service-focused implementation model in collaboration with key stakeholders and bring together peer-reviewed literature, practice-based knowledge, and expert opinions.

Methods

The simple rules for evidence translation in complex systems framework was applied to guide the development of a 6-step qualitative study. The steps were definition of the scope and objectives of the model, identification of evidence, stakeholder engagement, draft model development, key informant consultation, and final model specification.

Results

The final specification for the TMOUD implementation model incorporated key strategic priorities, service delivery prerequisites, service design elements, stakeholder identification and engagement, key process domains, and iterative cycles of evaluation and improvement.

Conclusions

Through stakeholder engagement and key informant consultation, we produced a process- and service-focused TMOUD implementation model. The model is modifiable to different contexts and settings while also in keeping with the current evidence base and national and international standards of high-quality opioid use disorder care.
Urban HEART: Application of Health Equity Assessment Tool in Spain. (Preprint)
Authors: Gisbert-Lucea Ignasi , Canela-Soler Jaume , Pastor-Duran Xavier , Conesa Artur
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The Urban Health combine quantitative data with community knowledge to evaluate and prioritize urban health inequities.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of tuberculosis in the city of Barcelona. To explore the relationships between the incidence levels of tuberculosis and socioeconomic factor. To apply the linear regression model to analyze and predict the tuberculosis rate by districts and neighborhoods in Barcelona.

METHODS

The description and analysis of relationships between the socioeconomic factors and the tuberculosis rate is carried out through an ecological approach

RESULTS

The relationship between Disposable Family Income (DFI) and Habitability Index (HI) with the tuberculosis rate (TR) in the neighborhoods and districts shows values of 0.66 [(95% CI 0.50 ÷ 0.77); p = 2.818e-10] and 0.89 [(95% CI 0.60 ÷ 0.97); p = 0.0004845] respectively for HI indicator and -0.41 [(95% CI -0.59 ÷ -0.20); p = 0.0002812] and -0.70 [(95% CI -0.92 ÷ -0.11); p = 0.02554] respectively for DFI indicator. The linear regression model of the TR as a function of the HI predicts 43.12% (p = 2.818e-10) and 79.93% (p = 0.0004845) of the cases in the neighborhoods and districts.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong association to predict the TR based on the HI.
Removal of Ciprofloxacin Antibiotic from Synthesized Aqueous Solution Using Three Different Metals Nanoparticles Synthesized Through the Green Method
Authors: Shakorfow Abdelmalik Milad , Al Mhanna Najah , Atiya Mohammed A. , Hassan Ahmed K. , Kadhim Fatimah Q. , Mahmoud Zainab A. , Abbas Azza Hashim
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the possibility of removing ciprofloxacin (CIP) using three types of adsorbent based on green-prepared iron nanoparticles (Fe.NPs), copper nanoparticles (Cu. NPS), and silver nanoparticles (Ag. NPS) from synthesized aqueous solution. They were characterized using different analysis methods. According to the characterization findings, each prepared NPs has the shape of a sphere and with ranges in sizes from of 85, 47, and 32 nanometers and a surface area of 2.1913, 1.6562, and 1.2387 m2/g for Fe.NPs, Cu.NPs and Ag.NPs, respectively. The effects of various parameters such as pH, initial CIP concentration, temperature, NPs dosage, and time on CIP removal were investigated through batch experiments. The results showed that 10 mg/L CIP was removed by 100%, 92% and 79% within 180 min using Fe.NPs, Cu.NPs, and Ag.NPs respectively. In addition to this, kinetic models of the adsorption and mechanism of CIP removal were studied. The cinematic analysis demonstrated that adsorption is a physics adsorption mechanism with an energy of 0.846 kJ.mol-1, 1.720 kJ.mol-1, and 3.872 kJ.mol-1, while the low activation energies of 17.660 kJ.mol-1, 13.221 kJ.mol-1, and 14.060 kJ.mol-1 for Fe.NPs, Cu.NPs, and Ag.NPs respectively. The kinetic removal process follows a pseudo-first-order model following a physical diffusion-controlled reaction. The data on adsorption was analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin models, as well as thermodynamic factors, indicating that the process is appropriate and endothermic sorption. The most practical adsorbent was Fe.NPs