bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training of Future Psychologists: Providing Sustainable Rehabilitation Services to War Victims
Authors: Vasylenko Olena , Komar Taisiia , Pavlyuk Yevgen , Beregova Natalia , Dzhyhun Liudmyla , Ihumnova Olha , Havrylkevych Viacheslav
Published: February 2024

The paper examines the problem of training future psychologists to provide rehabilitation services to war victims. It has been found that the psychological rehabilitation of war victims involves the work of psychologists to accelerate their psychological adaptation and prevent psychological complications that provoke the results of mental traumas associated with the provision of leaving home, work, usual comfortable life, etc. Therefore, psychologists must be ready to work with such persons and have a high level of professional competence. All this ensures effective professional training of future psychologists in institutions of higher education and the development of components of their readiness to provide rehabilitation services to war victims. We have found that these readiness components include: motivational, cognitive, operational and personal. The results of the diagnosis of the readiness components of psychology students to provide rehabilitation services to war victims have shown that, in addition to the personal component of readiness, all other components are developed at a sufficient level and this is due to the need to develop measures that are able to contribute to improving the level of training of future psychologists for psychological rehabilitation activities.

Key words: psychology students; psychological rehabilitation; war victims; readiness for professional activity
Spinal Robotics in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Khalifeh Kareem , Brown Nolan J. , Pennington Zach , Pham Martin H.
Published: February 2024

Spinal robotics have the potential to improve the consistency of outcomes in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery. The objective of this paper is to assess the accuracy of pedicle and S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screws placed with robotic guidance in ASD patients. PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and an institutional library database were queried until May 2023. Articles were included if they described ASD correction via robotic guidance and pedicle and/or S2AI screw accuracy. Articles were excluded if they described pediatric/adolescent spinal deformity or included outcomes for both ASD and non-ASD patients without separating the data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Primary endpoints were pedicle screw accuracy based on the Gertzbein-Robbins Scale and self-reported accuracy percentages for S2AI screws. Data were extracted for patient demographics, operative details, and perioperative outcomes and assessed using descriptive statistics. Five studies comprising 138 patients were included (mean age 66.0 years; 85 females). A total of 1,508 screws were inserted using robotic assistance (51 S2AI screws). Two studies assessing pedicle screws reported clinically acceptable trajectory rates of 98.7% and 96.0%, respectively. Another study reported a pedicle screw accuracy rate of 95.5%. Three studies reported 100% accuracy across 51 total S2AI screws. Eight total complications and 4 reoperations were reported. Current evidence supports the application of robotics in ASD surgery as safe and effective for placement of both screw types. However, due to the paucity of data, a comprehensive assessment of its incremental benefit over other techniques cannot be made. Further work using expanded cohorts is merited.
Knockdown of best1 Gene in Zebrafish Caused Abnormal Neuronal and Skeletal Development - A Subtype of Craniovertebral Junction Malformation?
Authors: Liu Zhenlei , Li Kang , Wang Kai , Zhang Lei , Jia Shanhang , Wang He , Jian Fengzeng , Wu Hao
Published: February 2024

Objective: To investigate the developmental defects caused by knockdown of best1 gene in zebrafish as a model for a subtype of craniovertebral junction (CVJ) malformation.Methods: Two antisense morpholinos (MOs) were designed targeting zebrafish best1 to block translation (ATG-MO) or to disrupt splicing (I3E4-MO). MOs were microinjected into fertilized one-cell embryos. Efficacy of splicing MO was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Phenotypes were analyzed and quantified by microscopy at multiple developmental stages. Neuronal outgrowth was assessed in transgenic zebrafish expressing green fluorescent protein in neurons. Skeletal ossification was visualized by Calcein staining.Results: Knockdown of best1 resulted in zebrafish embryos with shorter body length, curved axis, low survival rate, microcephaly, reduced eye size, smaller head and brain, impaired neuronal outgrowth, and reduced ossification of craniofacial and vertebral bone.Conclusion: Best1 gene plays critical roles in ophthalmologic, neurological and skeletal development in zebrafish. A patient with a premature stop codon in BEST1 gene exhibited similar phenotypes, implying a subtype of CVJ malformation.
Production performance of Hylocereus polyrhizus based on cladode size and position
Authors: Pereira da Silva Brito Leonardo , Rosario de Oliveira Ellison , Dionizio Luiz Paulo Henrique , Ramos José Darlan , Ferreira de Almeida Letícia Gabriela , Andrade Dos Santos Verônica
Published: February 2024

The analysis of productive architecture of plants involves macroscopic observation of spatial distributions of different vegetative and reproductive organs. However, few studies have evaluated these aspects in dragon fruit plants for production purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate vegetative, reproductive, and quality parameters of dragon fruit plants (Hylocereus polyrhizus; variety Cebra) based on the position and size of cladodes, considering morphological, production, and quality characteristics of the fruits. The experiment was conducted from September 2016 to May 2018, using a completely randomized design in a 3×4 factorial arrangement, consisted of three positions of cladode insertion in the plant (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and four different cladode sizes (≤ 20 cm; 21-40 cm; 41-60 cm, and 61-80 cm), with five replications and six cladodes per plot, totaling 360 evaluated cladodes. According to the results, vegetative and reproductive characteristics of dragon fruit plants variety Cebra were affected by the cladode position and size. Fruits developed on primary cladodes with sizes of 21 to 40 cm presented, in general, better-quality characteristics. All evaluated physical and physicochemical characteristics were affected by the cladode position and size, except for titratable acidity and soluble solids to titratable acidity ratio. Fruits developed on cladodes smaller than 20 cm had lower quality. Therefore, maintaining and promoting the growth of primary cladodes with sizes of 21 to 40 cm and removing those smaller than 20 cm is recommended.
Physiology and development of grafted dwarf cashew seedlings under different fertilization doses and irrigated with saline water
Authors: Ferreira Pinto Paiva Thamiris , Alves Bezerra Marlos , Morais Lima Reivany Eduardo , De Oliveira Feitosa Hernandes , Gomes Dias Gabrielen de Maria
Published: February 2024

Salinity is one of the primary challenges faced by irrigated agriculture in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fertilization on the development of cashew seedlings irrigated with water of varying salinity levels. The research was conducted in a protected environment at Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, Fortaleza, using grafted seedlings of the BRS 189 clone on CCP 06 rootstock. The treatments resulted from the combination of three levels of NPK fertilization (control - without fertilization, 50% less than conventional nutrition, and 100% of conventional nutrition used by the crop), which was incorporated into the substrate before sowing CCP 06, with four salinity levels (ECa of 0.8, 4.0, 7.0, and 10.0 dS m-1) of the irrigation water for the seedlings. Gas exchange, assimilate accumulation, growth, and nutrient content in the leaves, stems, and roots of the seedlings were evaluated 90 days after grafting. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, and when a significant effect was observed, the Tukey test was performed, while quantitative data were subjected to regression analysis. Overall, fertilization levels did not influence seedling growth. Fertilization did not interfere with photosynthate production, which performed better when the seedlings were subjected to a salinity of 7.0 dS m-1. The application of NPK to the substrate resulted in higher levels of nitrogen in the leaves, while phosphorus content decreased, and foliar potassium was not influenced by fertilization.
Outcomes of Serum Food-Specific Immunoglobulin G4 to Guide Elimination Diet in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Lim Amanda Huoy Wen , Ngoi Benjamin , Perkins Griffith B. , Wong Stephanie , Whitelock Gail , Hurtado Plinio , Ruszkiewicz Andrew , Le Thanh-Thao Adriana , Hissaria Pravin , Nguyen Nam Quoc
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is associated with atopy; however, recent studies have identified an association with food-specific immunoglobulin G4 (FS-IgG4) rather than immunoglobulin E antibodies. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum FS-IgG4 in guiding an elimination diet and its outcomes.

METHODS:

Patients with and without EoE were enrolled in a prospective, controlled, single tertiary center trial. Serum FS-IgG4 titers, esophageal eosinophil counts, and dysphagia symptom questionnaire scores were assessed, and participants with elevated FS-IgG4 (ImmunoCAP, cutoff of 10 mgA/L) commenced 6-week targeted elimination diet. Repeat serum FS-IgG4 and endoscopic and histologic examination were performed at 6-week follow-up.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two patients with active EoE and 13 controls were recruited. Serum FS-IgG4 to milk, wheat, soy, eggs, and nuts was significantly higher in EoE (P = 0.0002, P = 0.002, P = 0.003, P = 0.012, and P < 0.001, respectively). Elevated serum FS-IgG4 to 1 or more food groups (median 2) was identified in 21/22 (95.4%) patients with EoE; 20/21 underwent 6-week dietary elimination. Median reductions in dysphagia symptom questionnaire score and EoE endoscopic reference score after elimination were 8 (P = 0.0007) and 1 (P = 0.002), respectively. Nine (45%) patients had histological remission (<15 eosinophils per high-power field). Fall in median esophageal eosinophil count was not statistically significant (50 vs 23; P = 0.068). Serum FS-IgG4 did not decline by 6-week follow-up.

DISCUSSION:

Serum FS-IgG4 to milk, wheat, soy, egg, and nuts was present at higher levels in EoE, with targeted elimination resulting in 45% histologic remission rate. Serum FS-IgG4 has potential as a noninvasive biomarker in EoE. When successful, FS-IgG4–led elimination diet can negate need for medications and be viewed more favorably by patients because of its smaller endoscopic burden compared with empirical elimination diets.
Integrating Satellite Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and GIS for Fine-Scale Analysis of Air Quality: Aerosol Optical Depth Estimation
Authors:   , Ibrahim Saleem
Published: February 2024

This thesis aimed to harness the capabilities of machine learning in generating air quality datasets using various data sources including satellite remote sensing, meteorological inputs, land cover, topography, observations from ground monitors, among others. The research was focused on two key pollutants: aerosol optical depth and PM2.5 due to high risks they cause to human health. The research resulted in three datasets: two datasets covered entire Europe providing insights into aerosol optical depth and PM2.5 concentrations, while the third dataset focused only on PM2.5 over the Czech Republic. To accomplish this, the research employed a combination of GIS techniques, image processing, statistics, data analysis, visualizations, and comprehensive machine learning methods. The research processed big data and used open-source software to develop the spatiotemporal machine learning models which were employed to generate the datasets. To ensure the accuracy of findings, the results were validated using different approaches then compared with relevant studies. The datasets created over Europe were the first with full coverage of 1 km spatial resolution, they were made publicly available and have since been used by fellow researchers to enhance their understanding of air quality across different regions in Europe.
GIS Tips & Tricks
Authors: Karlin Al
Published: February 2024

As with so many of my recent columns, this month's tips originated with questions from my GIS class. This semester (Fall 2023) at the University of Tampa, we updated the Esri software from ArcGIS Desktop and moved right into ArcGIS Pro 3.1. So, for some GIS students this was the first
ArcGIS version that they experienced, while for others, not so. For those continuing students, some of the most perplexing issues (and there are many when switching from Desktop to Pro) are the bracketed red ellipses [...] that they found frequently in their map legends, as well as, how to
select/ unselect the items for the map legend. So, this month's Tips focus on changes between how the map legends are constructed in ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Pro.
O combate à corrupção e as garantias individuais
Authors: Costa Tailaine Cristina
Published: February 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar como o combate à corrupção pode afetar as garantias individuais. A metodologia utilizada é o levantamento bibliográfico, o que permitiu a análise de diferentes perspectivas sobre o tema. Os resultados mostram que, em alguns casos, o combate à corrupção pode levar a um estado de exceção judicial, onde as garantias individuais são violadas em nome da luta contra a corrupção. Além disso, em algumas situações pode-se revestir como lawfare, que é a utilização do sistema jurídico como arma política, também uma forma de violação das garantias individuais no contexto do combate à corrupção. Dessa forma, o artigo conclui que é importante que o combate à corrupção seja realizado de forma justa e equilibrada, garantindo as liberdades individuais e a democracia.
Mediators of the relationship between perceived social loafing and team performance among university student teams
Authors: Hang Pham Thu
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Perceived social loafing has been found to be negatively related to team performance. However, far too little attention has been paid to the underlying mechanism of this association. Thepurpose of the present study is to investigate not only the direct relationship between perceived social loafing and team performance but also the indirect relationship between these two variables viamediating roles of the sucker effect/social compensation and social loafer’s continuous social loafing. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 360 students of a public university in Vietnam in 2021. The current study confirmed the previous finding that perceived social loafing could negatively influence team performance. The most striking result to emerge from the data was that the sucker effect had no correlation with any other variables while social compensation and social loafer’s continuous social loafing were two serial mediators in the relationship between perceived social loafing and team performance. Specifically, when students perceived that their teammates engaged in social loafing,they exerted more effort to compensate for the social loafers, this way of reaction made the social loafers continue putting forth less effort and, in consequence, the overall team performance was low.
Developmental predictors of mathematics achievement at the end of Year 1
Authors: Martins Sara , Araújo Carolina A. , Fonseca Marisa , Baptista Joana , Martins Carla
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This study examined the predictive role of child cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural dimensions assessed at the age of 4½, as well as of the traditional variables related to academic school readiness before the entry to primary school, on mathematics achievement at the end of Year 1. A sample of 58 Portuguese children and their parents participated in this longitudinal study. Initial correlations indicated significant associations between child intelligence quotient (IQ), inhibitory control, set-shifting, dysregulation profile, academic school readiness, and their subsequent performance in mathematics. A hierarchical regression analysis showed that inhibitory control at 4½ years significantly predicted mathematics achievement at the end of Year 1 over and above the effect of academic school readiness before entering primary school. These results add to the existing literature by highlighting the impact of child executive functioning assessed during the preschool years on subsequent mathematics performance in early school years.
Diferentes Concepções de Modelagem Matemática que Fundamentam as Investigações em Etnomodelagem no Brasil
Authors: Madruga Zulma Elizabete de Freitas
Published: February 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma discussão sobre as pesquisas em Etnomodelagem no Brasil, analisando as concepções de Modelagem Matemática que as embasam. Entende-se Etnomodelagem como uma proposta teórico-metodológica que se utiliza dos pressupostos da Etnomatemática, em consonância com os procedimentos da Modelagem Matemática, com o propósito de potencializar a aprendizagem nos diferentes níveis de escolaridade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa na qual foi utilizado o mapeamento na pesquisa educacional como princípio metodológico, para selecionar e analisar pesquisa acadêmicas que abordam a Etnomodelagem. Como base de dados foram utilizados os seguintes repositórios: a Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações, o Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, o Google Acadêmico e Repositórios da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP) e Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC). Destas buscas, resultaram 18 dissertações as quais são explicitadas neste artigo e analisadas com o olhar sobre as concepções de Modelagem Matemática que as fundamentam. Os resultados apontam que tais concepções apresentam duas direções: a Modelagem Matemática na perspectiva sociocrítica ou sociocultural; ou como estratégia∕método de ensino com pesquisa. Foi possível perceber ainda que a concepção adotada não faz diferença quanto à aprendizagem dos estudantes, e que a Etnomodelagem é uma abordagem teórico-metodológica que pode configurar-se como uma concepção de Modelagem Matemática e de Etnomatemática.
Relational Arts-Based Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Engaging the Mind, Body, and Soul of Child and Youth Care Students
Authors: Brandson Ashley , Chambers Elisha , Evenson Mekenna , Gladue Victoria , Hein Brenna , Laurie Ryanna , O’Keefe Turner , Slaney Maggie , Bellefeuille Gerard
Published: February 2024

This article has been written as a bridge for instructors who want to move away from conventional teaching methods but are unsure of how to do so. It profiles a relational ontological approach to teaching and learning and an arts-based theoretical framework learning assessment that child and youth care (CYC) complete for an advanced undergraduate third year CYC practice methods course. The advance methods practice course has as its focus the integration of theory, self, and ethical practice. It argues that creative experiential arts-based methods tap directly into the human experience by inviting students to attend to alternative ways of knowing and sense-making, thereby facilitating richer and deeper learning experiences by bringing to consciousness the spiritual, emotional, and mythological aspects of the self, which offers students new landscapes of reflection on themselves, their studies, and their views of the world.
Wizerunki medialne Ukrainek w dobie wojny z Rosją w tygodniku „Newsweek Polska” – obraz zmian reprezentacji prasowych kobiet w perspektywie roku wojny
Authors: Balczyńska-Kosman Alina
Published: February 2024

Celem artykułu jest ukazanie wizerunków medialnych Ukrainek w tygodniku opinii „Newsweek Polska” na początku wojny z Rosją, jak i z perspektywy roku od rozpoczęcia działań wojennych. W procesie informowania o przebiegu wojny rosyjsko-ukraińskiej szczególną rolę odegrały media, ukazujące mieszkanki Ukrainy w zróżnicowanych rolach matek, żon, opiekunek domowego ogniska, ale także kobiet aktywnych, często żołnierek walczących z najeźdźcą. Analiza zawartości przekazów na łamach „Newsweeka” wykazała zmiany w sposobach ukazywania Ukrainek. Medialne reprezentacje kobiet Ukrainy w tygodniku „Newsweek”, jako konsekwencja wojny uległy przeobrażeniu – od stereotypowych ról, w których ukazywane są najczęściej kobiety, poprzez ofiary wojny, do obrazów osób walczących ramię w ramię z mężczyznami. W 2023 roku w badaniach odnotowano ponadto spadek zainteresowania problematyką wojny rosyjsko-ukraińskiej na łamach tygodnika „Newsweek Polska”.
Renesans czy rozpad politologii?– artykuł postulatywny (wstęp do dyskusji programowej)
Authors: Obacz Piotr
Published: February 2024

Wobec złożonych wyzwań, z jakimi musi się obecnie mierzyć polska politologia, zachodzi paląca potrzeba poważnej debaty nad kierunkiem ewolucji politologii w Polsce, zmian na gruncie tej dyscypliny, nad jej przyszłością. Rezultatem tej debaty powinien być program działań, które wzmocnią politologię polską, pozwolą na jej dalszy owocny rozwój, a także spowodują, że rozwiane zostaną wątpliwości odnośnie do naukowego znaczenia i społecznej roli politologii. Wszystko jednak zależy od samych uczonych – od ich zaangażowania, stąd pytanie: „renesans czy rozpad politologii?” pozostaje (niestety) otwartym.

Niniejszy artykuł może być postrzegany jako swoista „zachęta” do podjęcia szerszej i systematycznej debaty środowiskowej, rezultatem której mogłyby być zręby nowego politologicznego programu naukowego, który z kolei mógłby zainspirować do nowych rozwiązań organizacyjnych i nowych formuł badawczych oraz stymulowałby procesy integracyjne w obrębie tegoż środowiska.

Na potrzeby takiej debaty, w artykule przedstawiono zręby autorskiej koncepcji „IKR”: Integracja – Konsolidacja – Rekonfiguracja tematyczna. Jest to propozycja celująca w naprawę relacji naukowych (zawodowych) w obrębie polskiego środowiska politologicznego i poprawę kondycji naukowej dyscypliny, jak również zawierająca pewne postulaty organizacyjne oraz związane z badaniami i dydaktyką.

Na końcu opracowania znalazły się dodatkowo pewne uwagi dotyczące miejsca teorii polityki w owym ewentualnym przyszłym programie rozwoju politologii. Autor broni stanowiska, zgodnie z którym teoria polityki mogłaby pełnić rolę facylitacyjną w procesie rozwoju polskiej politologii.
Przedmiot badań politologicznych w Polsce
Authors: Nocoń Jarosław , Kufliński Mateusz
Published: February 2024

Głównym zagadnieniem artykułu jest przedmiot badań politologicznych w Polsce. Autorzy starają się odtworzyć kształtowanie się owego przedmiotu na przestrzeni ostatnich kilku dekad, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem refleksji polskich teoretyków i teoretyczek polityki. Tekst został podzielony na trzy główne części. Pierwsza dotyczy czynników strukturyzujących przedmiot badań politologicznych (indywidualne zainteresowania badawcze, kształtowanie się poszczególnych paradygmatów i metateorii, moda, polityka organizacji dyscyplinarnej). Druga stanowi syntetyczną rekonstrukcję kształtowania się politologicznego przedmiotu badań. Ostatnia zaś, zawiera przegląd węzłowych problemów badawczych w interesującym autorów zakresie.
Bridging two worlds: (DABCO-H)CuKI3 a hybrid copper iodide phosphor with a perovskite structure
Authors: Armelao Lidia , Rando Maria , Carlotto Silvia , Motta Irene , Bottaro Gregorio , Rancan Marzio
Published: February 2024

A novel copper iodide hybrid compound, (DABCO-H)CuKI3, featuring a perovskite structure is here reported. Characterization techniques, including single crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence studies, elucidate the structural and luminescent properties. The compound exhibits blue phosphorescence, attributed to mixed metal-to-ligand and halide-to-ligand charge transfer transitions, as supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and XPS valence band analysis. Furthermore, (DABCO-H)CuKI3 displays a remarkable adsorption capacity towards methylene blue dye. Kinetic modelling reveals that both film and intra-particle diffusion processes contribute to the adsorption rate.
The Intra-Host Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 After Neutralizing Antibody Therapy, Revealed by Nanopore Sequencing
Authors: Zeng Hong-Xiang , Zu Wen-Hong , Wang Hai-Yan , Yuan Jing , Cheng Lin , Xu Gang , Huang Yi-Gan , Liu Yang , Zhang Shu-Ye , Zhang Zheng
Published: February 2024

Objective:

In the context of two Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks involving local transmission and an international flight, we used meta-transcriptome and multi-amplicon sequencing to successfully acquire the complete viral genome sequences from clinical samples with varying viral loads.

Methods:

To enhance viral transcript presence, we used a primer pool for reverse transcription and sequenced the samples with nanopore sequencing, and successfully acquired the entire genomic sequence of the virus within less than 4 hours. In a substantial sample size of approximately 800 clinical specimens, we thoroughly examined and compared different sequencing methods.

Results:

Meta-transcriptome sequencing was effective for samples with viral reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) threshold cycle (Ct) values below 22, whereas multi-amplicon sequencing was effective across a wide Ct range. Additionally, enriched nanopore sequencing was valuable in capturing the complete genome sequence when rapid results are required.

Conclusion:

Through monitoring the viral quasi-species in individual patients, we observed ongoing viral evolution during neutralizing antibody therapy and found evidence that vaccine administration may affect the development of viral quasi-species. Overall, our findings highlight the potential of this viral sequencing strategy for both outbreak control and patient treatment.
Visual Feature Tuning Properties of Short-Latency Stimulus-Driven Ocular Position Drift Responses during Gaze Fixation
Authors: Khademi Fatemeh , Zhang Tong , Baumann Matthias P. , Malevich Tatiana , Yu Yue , Hafed Ziad M.
Published: February 2024

Ocular position drifts during gaze fixation are significantly less well understood than microsaccades. We recently identified a short-latency ocular position drift response, of ∼1 min arc amplitude, that is triggered within <100 ms by visual onsets. This systematic eye movement response is feature-tuned and seems to be coordinated with a simultaneous resetting of the saccadic system by visual stimuli. However, much remains to be learned about the drift response, especially for designing better-informed neurophysiological experiments unraveling its mechanistic substrates. Here we systematically tested multiple new feature tuning properties of drift responses. Using highly precise eye tracking in three male rhesus macaque monkeys, we found that drift responses still occur for tiny foveal visual stimuli. Moreover, the responses exhibit size tuning, scaling their amplitude (both up and down) as a function of stimulus size, and they also possess a monotonically increasing contrast sensitivity curve. Importantly, short-latency drift responses still occur for small peripheral visual targets, which additionally introduce spatially directed modulations in drift trajectories toward the appearing peripheral stimuli. Drift responses also remain predominantly upward even for stimuli exclusively located in the lower visual field and even when starting gaze position is upward. When we checked the timing of drift responses, we found it was better synchronized to stimulus-induced saccadic inhibition than to stimulus onset. These results, along with a suppression of drift response amplitudes by peristimulus saccades, suggest that drift responses reflect the rapid impacts of short-latency and feature-tuned visual neural activity on final oculomotor control circuitry in the brain.
Systematic literature review of in vivo rat femoral defect models using biomaterials to improve the induced membrane technique: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Saab Marc , Zobrist Cédric , Blanchemain Nicolas , Martel Bernard , Chai Feng
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review analyzing the results of in vivo rat femoral defect models using biomaterials for improving the induced membrane technique (IMT).

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting results of the IMT in in vivo rat femoral critical-sized defect models using a biomaterial possibly combined with molecules. Methodologic quality was assessed with the Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments guidelines.

Results

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Femoral stabilization with plate and screws was the most frequent. Histologic, biomechanical, and/or radiologic analyses were performed. In two-stage strategies, the PMMA spacer could be associated with bioactive molecules to enhance IM growth factor expression and improve bone formation. Modulating the roughness of spacers could increase IM thickness and accelerate its formation. In one-stage strategies, human tissue-derived membranes combined with bone grafting achieved bone formation comparable to a standard IMT. All calcium phosphate grafts seemed to require a functionalization with growth factors or bone marrow mononuclear cells to improve outcomes compared with non-functionalized grafts.

Conclusion

This systematic review described the main parameters of the in vivo rat femoral defect models using biomaterials to improve the induced membrane technique. Although the studies included had several methodological limitations that may limit the scope of these conclusions, one- and two-stage strategies reported promising results with biomaterials to improve the IMT.
Size press practices and formulations affecting paper properties and process efficiency: A Review
Authors: Hubbe Martin A.
Published: February 2024

Size presses on paper machines are used to apply a solution of a polymer – usually starch – to the surface of the sheet and thereby to increase the stiffness, surface strength, and printing quality of the product. This article reviews publications dealing with the size press equipment, the materials, and factors affecting both the operating efficiency and attributes of the resulting paper. The emergence of film-press equipment (e.g. blade-metering size presses) in the 1980s has greatly decreased the frequency of web breaks and increased productivity. Starch technology at the size press, though relatively mature, continues to evolve. By adjustment of starch attributes, solids levels, and incorporating other additives, modern papermakers can tune size press outcomes to meet a range of paper product requirements, including strength, hydrophobicity, and the reduction of air permeability. By application of various synthetic polymers, mineral particles, and even nanocellulose in combination with starch or other base polymers, there is potential to extend the technology to meet a range of future needs for paper products.
Sustainable paper-based packaging from hemp hurd fiber: A potential material for thermoformed molded fiber packaging
Authors: Lo Chi Hou , Wade Kelly R. , Parker Kate G. , Mutukumira Anthony N. , Sloane Michelle
Published: February 2024

Hemp hurd fiber, a low-value waste stream from the hemp industry, has potential downstream applications as an alternative to non-renewable plastics for single-use food service ware and packaging applications. Packaging paper substrates made from chemically pulped hemp hurd, mixed in varying ratios with bleached thermomechanical radiata pine pulp were developed and tested. Handsheets were characterized using several mechanical property tests including tensile strength, tearing resistance, burst strength, short-span compression, ring crush, together with Gurley air resistance, contact angle, and Cobb60 tests. Generally, addition of hemp hurd fibers significantly improved handsheet mechanical properties. Hot-pressing of the handsheets so as to approximate molded fiber thermoforming further enhanced their performance, with pure hemp hurd handsheets having the highest mechanical properties and barrier performance. A prototype was successfully thermoformed from hemp fiber, demonstrating overall feasibility of this fibre source for molded fibre objects.
Mechanical properties for composites with dammar resin reinforced with crushed corn cob
Authors: Mirițoiu Cosmin Mihai , Rădoi Alexandru Ioan
Published: February 2024

The study focused on the potential use of agricultural waste (corn cob) in the manufacturing of composite materials. In the first stage, composite materials were manufactured and tested using synthetic matrices (epoxy and acrylic) and hybrid matrices based on dammar resin (50% dammar, 60% dammar, and 70% dammar). Since it was observed that the samples had low mechanical properties under tensile and bending loads, the study was expanded to the production of sandwich-type composites with silk fabric facings. It was found that, by utilizing silk fiber, both tensile and bending strength increased from a few hundred percent up to a few thousand percent, compared to the samples that are only reinforced with crushed corn cob.
Predicting strength of Norway spruce and Scots pine sawn timber using discrete X-ray log scanning, optical board scanning, traceability, and partial least squares regression
Authors: Fredriksson Magnus
Published: February 2024

Recently developed technology in sawmills such as advanced log scanning and traceability concepts enable new ways of grading logs and boards. When it comes to strength grading, this is often done on sawn boards using automatic scanning systems. However, if board scanners were to be augmented with data from log scanners by using traceability, more information on the wood properties is available. In this study, the main objective was to compare the strength prediction capability of board scanning alone, to board scanning augmented with X-ray and 3D data from log scanning, for Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). In that case, data from three different scanning systems was combined, two for logs and one for boards. A further objective was to investigate whether pre-sorting logs for strength grading can be done using either 3D log data alone, or 3D log data augmented with X-ray data. The results show an improved strength prediction when adding log data to board data, and that 3D log data alone is not enough to pre-sort logs for strength, while adding X-ray log data makes it possible. Strength prediction on Scots pine performed somewhat better than prediction on Norway spruce.
«Кінець історії» відкладається. Історія «повертається»
Authors: Литвин Володимир Михайлович
Published: February 2024

У статті проаналізовано міжнародну обстановку, яку дедалі більше починають визначати конфлікти й війни, що, зокрема, наочно показано на прикладі агресивної поведінки РФ. Змодельовано розвиток світових процесів у 2024 р., наголошено на можливості спалаху масштабного зіткнення, що своєю чергою диктує глобальне доозброєння, протидію США спробам КНР і РФ підірвати світовий порядок. Автор робить висновок, що концепція «кінця історії» Фукуями поступається теорії Гантінгтона про «зіткнення цивілізацій». Відповідно, йдеться про необхідність вироблення нових правил світового співіснування. Розглянуто перспективи збереження США статусу неформальної імперії сучасного світу, потенціал і можливості КНР та РФ кинути виклик Сполученим Штатам і сформувати власний глобальний курс. Обговорено кризу політичного лідерства, проблему повернення авторитарних особистостей як прикмети сучасної доби та дедалі частішу практику суспільної зацікавленості в несистемних політиках попри те, що вони також схильні до авторитаризму. Автор висловлює застереження щодо неминучості посилення конфліктогенності у світі, небезпеки того, що подальшу історію все більше «писатимуть» людськими життями.
Forecasting the Future Supply of Pediatric Subspecialists in the United States: 2020–2040
Authors: Fraher Erin , Knapton Andy , McCartha Emily , Leslie Laurel K.
Published: February 2024

Concerns persist about whether the United States has an adequate supply of pediatric subspecialists and whether they are appropriately distributed across the nation to meet children's health needs. This article describes the data and methods used to develop a workforce projection model that estimates the future supply of 14 pediatric subspecialities certified by the American Board of Pediatrics at the national and US census region and division levels from 2020 to 2040. The 14 subspecialties include adolescent medicine, pediatric cardiology, child abuse pediatrics, pediatric critical care medicine, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric endocrinology, pediatric gastroenterology, pediatric hematology-oncology, pediatric infectious diseases, neonatal-perinatal medicine, pediatric nephrology, pediatric pulmonology, and pediatric rheumatology. Hospital medicine was excluded because of the lack of historical data needed for the model. This study addresses the limitations of prior models that grouped adult and pediatric physician subspecialty workforces together and aggregated pediatric subspecialties. The model projects supply at national and subnational levels while accounting for geographic moves that pediatric subspecialists make after training and during their career. Ten “what if” scenarios included in the model simulate the effect of changes in the number of fellows entering training, the rate at which subspecialists leave the workforce, and changes in hours worked in direct and indirect clinical care. All model projections and scenarios are available on a public, interactive Web site. The model’s projections can also be examined with other data to provide insight into the possible future of the pediatric subspecialty workforce and offer data to inform decision-making.
Neonatal Group B Streptococcus Disease
Authors: Coggins Sarah A. , Puopolo Karen M.
Published: February 2024

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important cause of neonatal sepsis in term and preterm infants. Because GBS colonizes human genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts, a significant focus of neonatal GBS disease prevention is to interrupt vertical transmission of GBS from mother to infant during parturition. Routine antepartum GBS screening in pregnant women, as well as widespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, have aided in overall reductions in neonatal GBS disease during the past 3 decades. However, neonatal GBS disease persists and may cause mortality and significant short- and long-term morbidity among survivors. Herein, we highlight contemporary epidemiology, microbial pathogenesis, and the clinical presentation spectrum associated with neonatal GBS disease. We summarize obstetric recommendations for antenatal GBS screening, indications for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, and considerations for antibiotic selection. Finally, we review national guidelines for risk assessment and management of infants at risk for GBS disease.
Alfabetización digital docente: un reto de la Educación Básica en Honduras
Authors: Yanes Galeas Denis Humberto , Henríquez Bejarano Edy Omar , López Juana , Garcia Gavarrete Luisa Eduviges , Madrid Orellana Maria Lourdes , Bulnes Madrid Oscar , Pineda Nataren Ulises Joel
Published: February 2024

El estudio analiza la brecha digital del personal docente de Educación Básica en la región del Valle de Sula, Honduras, desde las dimensiones de la alfabetización digital y su incidencia en las prácticas docentes, en el año 2022. La investigación es de enfoque mixto, con alcance descriptivo. Se recogió información aplicando varias técnicas e instrumentos. Para el abordaje cuantitativo se utilizó una prueba de habilidades tecnológicas según el programa de ofimática; una encuesta, utilizando un cuestionario dirigido al cuerpo docente asignado a primer y segundo ciclo de Educación Básica, en la que se incluyeron ítems referentes a las dimensiones instrumental, cognitiva, axiológica y actitudinal. En cuanto al abordaje cualitativo se recurrió a entrevistas individuales y grupos focales; se aplicó también la técnica de observación, utilizando una lista de cotejo. Los resultados obtenidos revelan que las competencias docentes en habilidades ofimáticas son básicas, carecen de dispositivos electrónicos y conectividad facilitados por autoridades estatales en sus centros educativos, razón por la que recurren al uso de sus propios dispositivos y conectividad. Además, el 40% del profesorado no emplea estrategias de enseñanza-aprendizaje utilizando tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC); por tal razón es necesario desarrollar programas de alfabetización digital y actualización docente para disminuir la brecha digital y fortalecer conectividad, dotación de recursos tecnológicos que favorezcan la aplicación de las TIC en educación. Se recomienda crear programas de capacitación en esta temática con el fin de mejorar el acceso a la TIC en la educación.
RISK PREVENTION AND MAINTAINING ACCESS TO EFFECTIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE IN COVID-19 CONDITIONS AT LOZENETZ HOSPITAL SOFIA
Authors: Stoykova S. , Platikanova M.
Published: February 2024

During the Covid-19 pandemic, eye care professionals are at serious risk of contracting Sars-Cov-2. The reason for this is the specific examination course, requiring close contact with the patient's face, the presence of Sars-CoV-2 in the conjunctival secretions, the use of multiple instruments and equipment, which requires thorough and effective disinfection. The present paper describes the changes in the daily work of the Department of Ophthalmology at Lozenetz Hospital in Sofia for the period 2020-2022 carried out to provide a safe working environment for both medical staff and patients. The measures concern the reorganization of the offices and adjacent spaces, modification of the protocols for appointments, triage, follow-up, necessary procedures, especially for conditions with long-term control need - e.g., macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, etc. as well as rational management of medical personnel.
Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm and Pelvic Mass Score for the prediction of malignant ovarian tumors: a prospective comparative study
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, Ali Mohamed A. , Sweed Mohamed S. ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, NasrElDin Eman A. ,   Department of Radiodiagnosis, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, Ahmed Walaa E. ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt, ElHawwary Gihan E. ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
Published: February 2024

Aim: Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common female cancer worldwide. Nevertheless, there is no available universal screening method for malignant ovarian masses. This study compares the value of the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) and Pelvic Mass Score (PMS) scoring systems in the diagnosis of malignant ovarian masses. Material and methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted from March 2021 until April 2022. A total of 258 women diagnosed with ovarian mass and eligible for surgical intervention according to institutional guidelines were enrolled in the study. Ultrasound was performed for the assessment of masses, ascites and metastases, also color flow Doppler was done to measure the resistance index of the mass vasculature. Preoperative venous blood samples were collected to measure CA 125 and HE4. PMS and ROMA scoring systems were calculated for each patient. All women were subjected to a surgical intervention (according to applicable institutional guidelines), using either open or laparoscopic techniques. Histopathological examination of the removed specimens was done, and in line with the recognized gold standard, the results were compared with the pre-operative diagnosis of both scoring systems. Results: Both PMS and ROMA showed a high predictive probability for ovarian malignancies (AUC = 0.93, sensitivity = 83.3%, specificity = 90.37%; AUC = 0.91, sensitivity = 84.4%, specificity = 95.56%, respectively), yet no statistical significant difference was found between the two scoring systems (p = 0.353, 95% CI -0.025 to 0.070). Conclusions: Both PMS and ROMA seem to be promising scoring systems for discriminating benign from malignant ovarian masses, but more research is needed to determine the optimum diagnostic pathway, especially one yielding the least false-negative results.
Anatomically realistic aortic dissection simulator as a potential training tool for point-of-care ultrasound
Authors:   Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia, Rahmah Mutiah , Al-Ashwal Rania Hussien ,   Advanced Diagnostic and Progressive Human Care research Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia, Salim Maheza Irna Mohamad ,   Advanced Diagnostic and Progressive Human Care research Group, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia, Lam Yan Tung ,   Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia, Hau Yuan Wen ,   IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Centre, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia
Published: February 2024

Aim: Simulators for aortic dissection diagnosis are limited by complex anatomy influencing the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound for diagnosing aortic dissection. Therefore, this study aimed to create a healthy ascending aorta and class DeBakey, type II aortic dissection simulator as a potential point-of-care ultrasound training model. Material and methods: 3D mould simulators were created based on computed tomography images of one healthy and one DeBakey type II aortic dissection patient. In the next step, two polyvinyl alcohol-based and two silicone-based simulators were synthesised. Results: The results of the scanning electron microscope assessment showed an aortic dissection simulator’s surface with disorganised surface texture and higher root mean square (RMS or Rq) value than the healthy model of polyvinyl alcohol (RqAD = 20.28 > RqAAo = 10.26) and silicone (RqAD = 33.8 > RqAAo = 23.07). The ultrasound assessment of diameter aortic dissection showed higher than the healthy ascending aorta in polyvinyl alcohol (dAD = 28.2 mm > dAAo = 20.2 mm) and Si (dAD = 31.0 mm > dAAo = 22.4 mm), while the wall thickness of aortic dissection showed thinner than the healthy aorta in polyvinyl alcohol, which is comparable with the actual aorta measurement. The intimal flap of aortic dissection was able to replicate and showed a false lumen in the ultrasound images. The flap was measured quantitatively, indicating that the intimal flap was hyperechoic. Conclusions: The simulators were able to replicate the surface morphology and echogenicity of the intimal flap, which is a linear hyperechoic area representing the separation of the aorta wall.