bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and monitoring of drug therapy in a patient with peptic ulcer complicated by infection: A case report
Authors: Gou Yan-Ping , Huang Yue , Chen Li , Zheng Wei , Zheng Yun-Hua
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The role of primary-level medical pharmacists in medical institutions in China is limited; therefore, it is necessary to explore the role of pharmacists in the process of drug treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

A Chinese pharmacist participated in the complete treatment of a patient with a duodenal ulcer. The rationale for drug treatment was evaluated, and adjustments were made to the antacid and anti-infective regimen, as well as the dose and frequency of administration. Body temperature, routine blood examination, and adverse drug reactions were strictly monitored. During treatment, the pharmacist recommended anti-infective therapy with ampicillin–sulbactam, which effectively controlled the infection. Additionally, the pharmacist suggested changing famotidine to lansoprazole for acid suppression and gastroprotective treatment, combined with Chinese patent medicine such as Kangfuxin Liquid. This is the first case report of a pharmacist in primary-level medical institutions adjusting drug use for patients with duodenal ulcer and pulmonary infection.

CONCLUSION

A pharmacist participated in the treatment process, provided individualized medication adjustment, and achieved good clinical results.
Numerical Analysis of Convergent-Divergent Angles and Operating Conditions Impact on Rocket Nozzle Performance Parameters
Authors: ALILI Nabila , KADDOURI Khacem , MOKADEM Salem , ALAMI Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive numerical analysis was conducted to elucidate the exhaust performance of rocket engine nozzles. The study focused on unravelling the intricate relationship between convergence and divergence angles and their impact on the exhaust performance parameters, including velocity coefficient (cv), angularity coefficient (Ca), and gross thrust coefficient (Cfg). In contrast to conventional studies that focus mainly on the divergent section, this research delved into both convergent and divergent aspects of nozzle geometry. For the convergent section, a range of angles from 20° to 45° was systematically examined. For the divergent section, a wide spectrum of angles was explored, ranging from small (10°-13°), medium (14°-19°) and large (20°-25°) divergent angles. Further, we venture beyond geometry, investigating the influence of nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) on these key metrics. Realisable 𝑘𝑘−𝜀𝜀, enhanced wall traitement was used to simulate nozzle flow. The study identified the optimal convergent angle at 37.5°. The 15° diverging angle provides good overall performance, while the 23° angle strikes the ideal compromise: maximizing thrust and efficiency while minimizing weight and maintaining optimal performance.
Enhancing UAV elevator actuator model using multibody dynamics simulation
Authors: WIDODO Akhmad Farid , PRANOTO Fuad Surastyo , PUTRO Idris Eko , ARISANDI Effendi Dodi
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes an improved actuator system model for UAV elevators using multibody dynamics simulation. The multibody dynamics simulation employs the Simscape Multibody, module in MATLAB coupled with Simulink to model the servo and hinge moment calculation. The actuator system comprises an electrical servo and mechanical components, including arms, push rods, horns, and the elevator. The electrical servo is modeled using a PID controller and a simplified motor model. The multibody dynamics simulation is employed to capture the dynamics of the mechanical components, coupled with the electrical servo through torque delivery to the mechanical components. The simulation is applied to the elevator of a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV with a Maximum Take Off Weight of 1300 Kg. Generating these quantities provide a benefit in capturing the operational envelope of the servo to be compared to its limitations. Given the features of this simulation, it is proposed to extend the research by integrating this method with flight dynamics simulation.
Is there space for a ‘care-oriented’ advocacy in social work practice with people who have substance use problems?
Authors: Kasseri Zacharoula
Published: March 2024

Although advocacy is a valuable concept, it has received little attention in social work practice with people who have substance use problems. The tendencies of medicalisation and responsibilisation, as well as criminalisation and the War on Drugs ideology, create an unfavourable environment for the emergence of an advocacy discourse. Within the neoliberal context, advocacy in social work practice in the field of addiction is not only an overlooked but also an under-theorised issue. Using Tronto’s political ethics of care theory, the article argues that a perspective on advocacy that places care at the centre of its analysis might provide an illuminating framework for working with people who have substance use problems. Each of Tronto’s ethical elements of care, which are attentiveness, responsibility, competence, responsiveness and trust, can offer useful directions for advocacy practice in the field of substance use and addiction.
Que farei com este livro ? de José Saramago: As causas da decadência de Portugal e o materialismo histórico saramaguiano
Authors: Nogueira Carlos
Published: March 2024

Resumo: Na peça de teatro Que farei com este livro? , José Saramago especifica e debate aquelas que são, na sua perspetiva, as causas da decadência de Portugal: a decadência que Luís de Camões encontrou no seu regresso a Portugal, após dezassete anos fora, mas também a decadência visível no Portugal do presente da escrita. Em diálogo estreito com dois textos célebres, um de Antero de Quental, Causas da decadência dos povos peninsulares , e o outro de Max Weber, A ética protestante e o espírito do capitalismo , proponho-me explicitar de que modo José Saramago construiu esta peça ideologicamente, estruturada numa visão materialista histórica não mecanicista que se conjuga com um idealismo muito pessoal.
Pigeons at the Bedside: Lucumí Negotiations around Ritual Space in the Hospital
Authors: Rainey Eugenia
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: In the latter half of the twentieth century, south Florida became a hub of Afro-Cuban religious practice. The influx of Cuban immigrants has influenced healthcare institutions in the area. This article explores how devotees of one Afro-Cuban religion, Lucumí, popularly known as Santería, create space within hospitals to conduct religious rituals that facilitate the healing of patients. It argues that the creation of space for hospital rituals is a counter-hegemonic practice that can be mapped onto the relationship that Lucumí historically had to the Catholic Church, one of being both seen and unseen within this hegemonic institution. Through an analysis of the "symbolic power" embedded in language usage to create unsanctioned ritual space in the hospital, I build on Pierre Bourdieu's work by that title. In examining three types of space—secret space, talking space, and familiarity space—this article highlights the counter-hegemonic practices used to heal Lucumí patients in south Florida.
Optimized Stokes imaging for highly resolved optical speckle fields, Part III: topological analysis of polarimetric state distributions with optimized data representations
Authors: Staes Jonathan , Fade Julien
Published: March 2024

In this last article of a three-paper series focusing on Stokes polarimetry of optical speckle fields resolved at the individual speckle grain scale, experimental results are provided on test samples of varying nature and polarization properties, and are analyzed extensively. For this purpose, a review of the classical ways of displaying Stokes polarimetric information is provided. Then, some original alternative graphical representations are introduced that ensure optimal readability and interpretability of the Stokes imaging data in the context of speckle field polarimetry, and it is shown how they can be adapted to various observation scales. Finally, these tools are implemented in order to provide a topological analysis of the distribution of the states of polarization across a speckle pattern, and in the vicinity of polarimetric singularities of the field.
Efficient photorefractive effect triggered by pyroelectricity in magnesium doped LiNbO3 films
Authors: Perin Anton , Gauthier-Manuel Ludovic , Bassignot Florent , Chauvet Mathieu
Published: March 2024

An efficient photorefractive effect triggered by pyroelectricity is demonstrated in slab waveguides constituted of magnesium oxide (MgO)-doped LiNbO3 film on insulator. A microwatt-level continuous wave guided at 532 nm is self-trapped to form a 10 µm FWHM beam triggered by only a few degrees of temperature increase of the sample. A fast self-focusing response time on the order of milliseconds is measured for milliwatts of injected beam, more than two orders of magnitude faster than in the undoped LiNbO3 film. Long lived 2-D induced waveguides are found to be written in the films.
Visible light positioning system using a smartphone’s built-in ambient light sensor and inertial measurement unit
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Wang Yaxin , Yang Xiansheng , Ma Tianbing
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the visible light positioning field has experienced remarkable advancements. However, smartphones find it difficult to identify light-emitting diode (LED) and extract each LED’s light signal intensity due to the low-frequency and uneven sampling of built-in ambient light sensors (ALS, which is a photodiode that measures ambient light in lux units). Thus, traditional visible light positioning systems cannot be directly applied to smartphones. In this Letter, we propose a single-light visible light positioning system using a non-modulated LED as an emitter, the built-in ALS as the receiver, and the inertial measurement unit of the smartphone to assist in measuring the smartphone’s attitude. It only requires the user to turn the smartphone by a few angles in a stationary position to estimate its current three-dimensional (3D) spatial position. This method does not require modification of the existing lighting system and consumes less power than the camera-based visible light positioning (VLP) systems. We have built an experimental site measuring 5 m × 5 m × 2.2 m to evaluate the performance of the positioning system, and the preliminary results show that the proposed system achieves sub-meter-level positioning accuracy.
Coherent beam combining of femtosecond third-harmonic generators: towards high-power, high-beam-quality UV light generation
Authors: Bi Genyu , Yu Chenming , Liu Bowen , Fan Jintao , Chu Yuxi , Zhang Xiaohui , Hu Minglie
Published: March 2024

Coherent beam combining (CBC) of two femtosecond third-harmonic (TH) generators is proposed and demonstrated. By applying phase modulation to one of the fundamental laser pulses, the feedback loop effectively eliminates both phase and pointing errors between the two TH femtosecond laser beams. The system delivers 345-nm femtosecond laser pulses with 22-W average power at 1-MHz repetition rate. The average combining efficiency is 91.5% over approximately 1 h of testing. The beam quality of the combined ultraviolet (UV) laser beam is near-diffraction-limited with
M
2 factors of M
X
2=1.36, M
Y
2=1.24, which are similar to those of the individual channels. This scheme exhibits promising potential for increasing high-beam-quality UV laser power.
On-chip optical wavefront shaping by transverse-spin-induced Pancharatanam–Berry phase
Authors: Xiao Wanyue , Wang Shubo
Published: March 2024

Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) metasurfaces can be applied to manipulate the phase and polarization of light within subwavelength thickness. The underlying mechanism is attributed to the geometric phase originating from the longitudinal spin of light. Here, we demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, a new type of PB geometric phase derived from the intrinsic transverse spin of guided light. Using full-wave numerical simulations, we show that the rotation of a metallic nano-bar sitting on a metal substrate can induce a geometric phase covering 2

π

full range for the surface plasmons carrying an intrinsic transverse spin. Especially, the geometric phase is different for the surface plasmons propagating in opposite directions due to spin-momentum locking. We apply the geometric phase to design metasurfaces to manipulate the wavefront of surface plasmons to achieve steering and focusing. Our work provides a new mechanism for on-chip light manipulations with potential applications in designing ultra-compact optical devices for imaging and sensing.
Live Cell Imaging of Cellular Dynamics in Poplar Wood Using Computational Cannula Microscopy
Authors: Menon Rajesh , Ingold Alexander , Mishra Gayatri , Sorenson Reed , Groover Andrew , Sieburth Leslie
Published: March 2024

We report Computational Cannula Microscopy (CCM) for imaging living cells within poplar tree stems, with the long-term goal of observing cell-wall differentiation and functions. CCM overcomes depth limitations faced by conventional methods, employing a fiber-optic cannula to transport light, and machine-learning for image reconstruction. We demonstrate imaging of live cells, including cellular dynamics with an approximate spatial resolution of 3 to 5 𝜇m at a depth of 200 𝜇m to 500 𝜇m below the surface of the stem in a young living poplar branch with field-of-view of 55 𝜇m x 55 𝜇m using a cannula of core diameter = 50 𝜇m. The small cannula diameter offers the potential for minimal tissue damage upon insertion. We use the pix2pix model for image reconstructions and investigate its advantages and disadvantages over prior efforts using the U-Net. Image reconstruction at 0.29s/frame is obtained with a maximum average error in the reconstructed image 0.07. Lastly, we introduce a method to ascertain the confidence in the reconstructed images when no ground-truth is available.
Chromolaena odorata layered-nitrile rubber polymer transdermal patch enhanced wound healing in vivo
Authors: Abdul Latif Mazlyzam , Mustafa Asrul , Keong Lee Chee , Hamid Asmah
Published: March 2024

The objective is to investigate the healing efficacy of a Chromolaena odorata layered-nitrile rubber transdermal patch on excision wound healing in rats. Wounds were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats and were later treated as follows: wound A, the negative control, received no treatment (NC); wound B, the negative control with an empty nitrile rubber patch (NC-ERP); wound C, treated with a C. odorata layered-nitrile rubber patch (CO-NRP); and wound D, the positive control with Solcoseryl gel with a nitrile rubber patch (PC-SG-NRP). After 1, 3, 6, 10, and 14 days, the rats were sacrificed and analyzed for wound contraction, protein content, hexosamine, and uronic acid levels. Macroscopic observation showed enhanced wound healing in wounds treated with CO-NRP with a wound contraction percentage significantly higher (p<0.05) on days 6 and 10 compared to those treated with NC-ERP. Similarly, protein, hexosamine, and uronic acid contents were also significantly higher (p<0.05) in CO-NRP-treated wounds when compared with wounds treated with NC-ERP. Histological findings showed denser collagen deposition and faster granulation tissue formation in wounds treated with CO-NRP. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the C. odorata layered-nitrile rubber transdermal patch was effective in healing skin wounds.
Effect of a mother-baby delivery pack on institutional deliveries: A community intervention trial to address maternal mortality in rural Zambia
Authors: Mukonka Victor , Sialubanje Cephas , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Babaniyi Olusegun , Malumo Sarai , Phiri Joseph , Fitzpatrick Patricia
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To test the effect of providing additional health education during antenatal care (ANC) and a mother-baby delivery pack on institutional deliveries in Monze, Zambia.

Setting

16 primary health facilities conducting deliveries in the district.

Participant

A total of 5000 pregnant women at any gestation and age attending antenatal care (ANC) services in selected health facilities were eligible for enrolment into the study. Out of these, 4,500 (90%) were enrolled into and completed the study. A total of 3,882 (77.6%) were included in the analysis; 12.4% were not included in the analysis due to incomplete data.

Intervention

A three-year study (2012 to 2014) analysing baseline delivery data for 2012 and 2013 followed by a community intervention trial was conducted from January to December 2014. Health facilities on the western side were assigned to the intervention arm; those on the eastern side were in the control. In addition to the health education provided during routine ANC visits, participants in the intervention arm received health education and a mother-baby delivery pack when they arrived at the health facility for delivery. Participants in the control arm continued with routine ANC services.

Outcome measures

The primary measure was the number of institutional deliveries in both arms over the one-year period. Secondary measures were utilisation of ANC, post-natal care (PNC) and under-five clinic services. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, proportions, means and standard deviation) were computed to summarise participant characteristics. Chi-square and Independent T-tests were used to make comparisons between the two arms. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the effect of the intervention after one year (p-value<0.05). Analysis was conducted using R-studio statistical software version 4.2.1. The p-value<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Analysis showed a 15.9% increase in the number of institutional deliveries and a significant difference in the mean number of deliveries between intervention and control arms after one year (F(1,46) = 18.85, p<0.001). Post hoc analysis showed a significant difference in the mean number of deliveries between the intervention and control arms for 2014 (p<0.001). Compared to the control arm, participants in the intervention arm returned earlier for PNC clinic visit, brought their children back and started the under-five clinic visits earlier.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of the mother-baby delivery pack and additional health education sessions on increasing institutional deliveries, PNC and under-five children’s clinic utilisation in rural Zambia.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN15439813 DOI 10.1186/ISRCTN15439813); Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202212611709509).
Biochemical profiling of the follicular environment to predict oocyte competence in cattle
Authors: Kussano Nayara Ribeiro , Franco Mauricio Machaim , Dode Margot Alves Nunes
Published: March 2024

To identify markers of oocyte competence, we compared the biochemical characteristics of fluid and cells from follicles containing oocytes with different capacities to form an embryo. Follicles (5–6 mm) were dissected, and follicular fluid (FF), granulosa cells (GC), cumulus cells (CC) from immature and mature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COC) were individually collected. The oocytes were matured, fertilized, and cultured individually until day 8 (D8) of development. On D8, the samples were grouped according to embryo production into those that gave rise to blastocysts (EMB) and those that did not reach the blastocyst stage (NEMB). In CCs from immature and mature COCs and GCs, expression of CASP3, SERPINE2, VCAN, LUM, FSHR, EGFR, PGR, and GHR genes was quantified. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), progesterone, and estradiol concentrations in the FF were determined. Data were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U test (GraphPad Prism 9). GHR was highly expressed in immature CCs from the EMB group, whereas CASP3 was highly expressed in mature CCs from the NEMB group (P<0.05). During maturation, the expression of CASP3 and GHR genes increased only in the NEMB group. ART2 cfDNA was highly detected in FF of the NEMB compared to the EMB group. Progesterone concentration was similar between the groups, whereas estradiol concentration was higher (P<0.05) in the EMB than in the NEMB group. It was concluded that a higher level of GHR transcripts in immature CCs, lower CASP3 expression in CCs from matured COCs, lower levels of ART2, and higher estradiol concentrations in FF may indicate oocytes with greater potential for development.
Sound waves alter the viability of tobacco cells via changes in cytosolic calcium, membrane integrity, and cell wall composition
Authors: Sardari Mahsa , Ghanati Faezeh , Mobasheri Hamid , Hajnorouzi Abazar
Published: March 2024

The effect of sound waves (SWs) on plant cells can be considered as important as other mechanical stimuli like touch, wind, rain, and gravity, causing certain responses associated with the downstream signaling pathways on the whole plant. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the response of suspension-cultured tobacco cells (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv Burley 21) to SW at different intensities. The sinusoidal SW (1,000 Hz) was produced through a signal generator, amplified, and beamed to the one layer floating tobacco cells inside a soundproof chamber at intensities of 60, 75, and 90 dB at the plate level for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. Calibration of the applied SW intensities, accuracy, and uniformity of SW was performed by a sound level meter, and the cells were treated. The effect of SW on tobacco cells was monitored by quantitation of cytosolic calcium, redox status, membrane integrity, wall components, and the activity of wall modifying enzymes. Cytosolic calcium ions increased as a function of sound intensity with a maximum level of 90 dB. Exposure to 90 dB was also accompanied by a significant increase of H2O2 and membrane lipid peroxidation rate but the reduction of total antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities. The increase of wall rigidity in these cells was attributed to an increase in wall-bound phenolic acids and lignin and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and covalently bound peroxidase. In comparison, in 60- and 75 dB, radical scavenging capacity increased, and the activity of wall stiffening enzymes reduced, but cell viability showed no changes. The outcome of the current study reveals that the impact of SW on plant cells is started by an increase in cytosolic calcium. However, upon calcium signaling, downstream events, including alteration of H2O2 and cell redox status and the activities of wall modifying enzymes, determined the extent of SW effects on tobacco cells.
Unraveling athletic performance: Transcriptomics and external load monitoring in handball competition
Authors: Ezquerra Condeminas Pol , Mallol Milos , Font Roger , Tremps Victor , Gutiérrez Jose Antonio , Rodas Gil , Perera Lluna Alexandre , Soria José Manuel
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aims to comprehend the impact of handball practice on sub-elite athletes by investigating transcriptomic changes that occur during a match. The primary focus encompasses a dual objective: firstly, to identify and characterize these transcriptomic alterations, and secondly, to establish correlations between internal factors (gene expression), and external loads measured through Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS variables). Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis seeks to evaluate both acute and chronic responses to exercise within the context of handball training.

Methods

The study included sixteen elite male athletes from the FC Barcelona handball second team. Blood samples were extracted at three different time points: before the match at baseline levels (T1), immediately upon completion (T2), and 24 hours after completion (T3). Differential gene expression, Gene Ontology Term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted in two comparisons: Comparison 1 (T1 vs T2) and Comparison 2 (T1 vs T3). Further, the correlation between gene expression levels and training variables (external load) was conducted.

Results

In T1 vs T2, 3717 of the 14632 genes detected were differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05), and enrichment of terms related to the immune system, mitochondria, and metabolic processes was found. Further, significant linear correlations were obtained between High-Speed running (HSR) and high-intensity variables such as acceleration ACC and deceleration DEC values with amino acids, and inflammatory and oxidative environment-related pathways, both in chronic and acute response.

Conclusions

This research highlights the effects of external workload on elite athletes during a handball match and throughout the season. The study identifies deregulation in the immune system, mitochondrial functions, and various metabolic pathways during the match. Additionally, it establishes correlations between the external load and pathways associated with amino acids, inflammation, oxidative environment, and regulation. These findings offer insights into the immediate and chronic responses of athletes to physical effort.
Autocrine phosphatase PDP2 inhibits ferroptosis by dephosphorylating ACSL4 in the Luminal A Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhu Jun-Jie , Huang Feng-Ying , Chen Hengyu , Zhang Yun-long , Chen Ming-Hui , Wu Ri-Hong , Dai Shu-Zhen , He Gui-Sheng , Tan Guang-Hong , Zheng Wu-Ping
Published: March 2024

Phosphatases can dephosphorylate phosphorylated kinases, leading to their inactivation, and ferroptosis is a type of cell death. Therefore, our aim is to identify phosphatases associated with ferroptosis by analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the Luminal A Breast Cancer (LumABC) cohort from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). An analysis of 260 phosphatase genes from the GeneCard database revealed that out of the 28 DEGs with high expression, only the expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 2 (PDP2) had a significant correlation with patient survival. In addition, an analysis of DEGs using gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene set enrichment analysis revealed a significant variation in the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. To further investigate this, we analyzed 34 ferroptosis-related genes from the TCGA-LumABC cohort. The expression of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) was found to have the highest correlation with the expression of PDP2, and its expression was also inversely proportional to the survival rate of patients. Western blot experiments using the MCF-7 cell line showed that the phosphorylation level of ACSL4 was significantly lower in cells transfected with the HA-PDP2 plasmid, and ferroptosis was correspondingly reduced (p < 0.001), as indicated by data from flow cytometry detection of membrane-permeability cell death stained with 7-aminoactinomycin, lipid peroxidation, and Fe2+. Immunoprecipitation experiments further revealed that the phosphorylation level of ACSL4 was only significantly reduced in cells where PDP2 and ACSL4 co-precipitated. These findings suggest that PDP2 may act as a phosphatase to dephosphorylate and inhibit the activity of ACSL4, which had been phosphorylated and activated in LumABC cells. Further experiments are needed to confirm the molecular mechanism of PDP2 inhibiting ferroptosis.
Burkitt lymphoma: The effect of age, sex and delay to diagnosis on treatment completion and outcome of treatment in 934 Patients in Cameroon
Authors: Hesseling Peter Bernard , Afungchwi Glenn Mbah , Njodzeka Bernard Wirndzem , Wharin Paul , Kouya Francine Nicole , Kruger Mariana
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The role of age and sex in the presentation and outcome of endemic Burkitt lymphoma (BL) has not been studied recently. This study analysed these factors in 934 patients with BL who had received cyclophosphamide and intrathecal methotrexate as treatment.

Methods

Records of 934 children diagnosed with BL from 2004 to 2015 were obtained from our Paediatric Oncology Networked Database (POND) cancer registry. Age at diagnosis, sex, disease stage, time to diagnosis, delay in diagnosis, completion of treatment, rate of abandonment, and one-year survival rates were recorded and statistically analysed.

Results

The male to female ratio of 1.41 for the study population of 934. The median delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 31 days. The St Jude stage distribution was I = 6.4%, II = 5.9%, III = 71.5% and IV = 16.2%. Significantly more patients presented with stage III disease in age groups 5–9 and 10–14 years than 0–4 years. The overall 1-year survival rate was 53.45%, respectively 77.1% for stage I, 67.9% for stage II, 55.1% for stage III and 32.4% for stage IV disease (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in survival by sex and age group.

Conclusion

Patients aged under 5 years presented with less-advanced disease, but survival was not affected by age. Sex did not influence delay to diagnosis and overall survival. The long delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis emphasises the need for interventions to achieve an earlier diagnosis and a better survival rate.
Feasibility of a family-oriented mHealth intervention for Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes: A pilot randomized control trial
Authors: Hu Lu , Shi Yun , Wylie-Rosett Judith , Sevick Mary Ann , Xu Xinyi , Lieu Ricki , Wang Chan , Li Huilin , Bao Han , Jiang Yulin , Zhu Ziqiang , Yeh Ming-Chin , Islam Nadia
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To test the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a mHealth intervention tailored for Chinese immigrant families with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) with baseline, 3-, and 6-month measurements. Participating dyads, T2D patients and families/friends from NYC, were randomized into the intervention group (n = 11) or the wait-list control group (n = 12). Intervention includes 24 videos covering T2D self-management, behavioral techniques, and family-oriented sessions. Feasibility and acceptability were measured respectively by the retention rate and video watch rate, and a satisfaction survey. Patients’ HbA1c, weight, and self-management were also assessed to test potential efficacy.

Results

Most T2D patients (n = 23; mean age 56.2±9.4 years; 52.2% male) and families/friends (n = 23, mean age 54.6±11.2 years; 52.2% female) had high school education or less (69.6% and 69.6%), annual household income < $25,000 (65.2% and 52.2%), and limited English proficiency (95.7% and 95.7%). The retention rates were not significantly different between the intervention and the control groups for both the patients (90.91% vs 83.3%, p = 0.589); and their families/friends (3-month: 90.9% vs 75%, p = 0.313; 6-month: 90.9% vs 83.3%, p = 0.589). The mean video watch rate was 76.8% (7%). T2D patients and families/friends rated satisfaction as 9.4 and 10 out of 10, respectively. Despite no between-group differences, the intervention group had significantly lower HbA1c (p = 0.014) and better self-management (p = 0.009), and lost 12 lbs. on average at 6 months (p = 0.079), compared to their baseline levels.

Conclusions

A culturally-tailored, family-based mHealth intervention is feasible and acceptable among low-income, limited English-proficient Chinese families with T2D in NYC. Significant changes in HbA1c and self-management within the intervention group indicate this intervention may have potential efficacy. Given the small sample size of this study, a future RCT with adequate power is needed to test efficacy.
Combination prediction method of students’ performance based on ant colony algorithm
Authors: Xu Huan , Kim Min
Published: March 2024

Students’ performance is an important factor for the evaluation of teaching quality in colleges. The prediction and analysis of students’ performance can guide students’ learning in time. Aiming at the low accuracy problem of single model in students’ performance prediction, a combination prediction method is put forward based on ant colony algorithm. First, considering the characteristics of students’ learning behavior and the characteristics of the models, decision tree (DT), support vector regression (SVR) and BP neural network (BP) are selected to establish three prediction models. Then, an ant colony algorithm (ACO) is proposed to calculate the weight of each model of the combination prediction model. The combination prediction method was compared with the single Machine learning (ML) models and other methods in terms of accuracy and running time. The combination prediction model with mean square error (MSE) of 0.0089 has higher performance than DT with MSE of 0.0326, SVR with MSE of 0.0229 and BP with MSE of 0.0148. To investigate the efficacy of the combination prediction model, other prediction models are used for a comparative study. The combination prediction model with MSE of 0.0089 has higher performance than GS-XGBoost with MSE of 0.0131, PSO-SVR with MSE of 0.0117 and IDA-SVR with MSE of 0.0092. Meanwhile, the running speed of the combination prediction model is also faster than the above three methods.
Characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with kidney failure of unknown aetiology from ANZDATA registry
Authors: Wang Lucy S. , Vangaveti Venkat , Ng Monica S. Y. , Mallett Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Kidney failure of unknown aetiology (uESKD) is also heavily location dependent varying between 27% in Egypt to 54% in Aguacalientes, Mexico. There is limited information about the characteristics of people with uESKD in Australia and New Zealand, as well as their clinical outcomes on kidney replacement therapy.

Methods

Data on people commencing kidney replacement therapy 1989–2021 were received from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) registry. Primary exposure was cause of kidney failure–uESKD or non-uESKD (known-ESKD). Primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcome was kidney transplantation. Dialysis and transplant cohorts were analysed separately. Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were used to evaluate correlations between cause of kidney failure and mortality risk. Subgroup analyses were completed to compare mortality risk in people with uESKD to those with diabetic nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), glomerular disease and other kidney diseases.

Results

This study included 60,448 people on dialysis and 20,859 transplant recipients. 1-year, 3-year and 5-year mortality rates in people with uESKD on dialysis were 31.6%, 58.7% and 77.2%, respectively. 1-year, 3-year and 5-year mortality rates in transplant recipients with uESKD were 2.8%, 13.8% and 24.0%, respectively. People with uESKD on dialysis had a higher mortality risk compared to those without uESKD on univariable and multivariable analyses (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.16, p<0.001). Transplant recipients with uESKD have a higher mortality risk compared to those without uESKD on univariable and multivariable analyses (AHR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.35, p<0.05). People with uESKD had similar likelihood of kidney transplantation compared to people with known-ESKD.

Conclusion

People with uESKD on kidney replacement therapy have higher mortality risk compared to people with other kidney diseases. Further studies are required to identify contributing factors to these findings.
Reliability analysis using Limit equilibrium and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics-based method for homogeneous soil slopes
Authors: Chu Xuesong , Wen Jiahui , Li Liang
Published: March 2024

This paper develops a combined method to predict the volume of sliding mass for homogeneous slopes in an efficient manner. Firstly, the failure surface with minimum factor of safety (FS) in Limit Equilibrium Method is equated to that one determined by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics algorithm to obtain the threshold displacement value for unstable and stable particles. Secondly, the threshold displacement value is used to identify the volume of sliding mass using SPH. Finally, a regression model is developed based on a finite number of SPH simulations for homogeneous soil slopes. The proposed LEM-SPH based method is illustrated through a cohesive soil slope. It is concluded that the use of failure surface with minimum FS in LEM tends to underestimate the volume of sliding mass and to give an unconservative risk value. The Coefficient of Variation (Cov) of volume of sliding mass are 0.14, 0.28, 0.4, 0.48, 0.53 for Cov of soil properties = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6, respectively. The uncertainty of soil properties has a significant effect on the mean value of volume of sliding mass and therefore the landslide risk value. The proposed method is necessitated for cases where large uncertainties in soil properties exist.
EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA E A RELAÇÃO FAMÍLIA-ESCOLA
Authors: Da Silva Tomé Adonis , Carneiro Martins Ida , Gimenez Roberto
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo comparar quantitativamente duas décadas de produções científicas sobre a relação família-escola, na educação inclusiva, e analisar qualitativamente os desdobramentos das temáticas dessas produções, com foco no segundo decanato. Este estudo comparativo fundamentou-se na busca sistemática em bancos de dissertações e teses, e utilizou-se metodologicamente de enfoque fenomenológico, obtendo unidades significativas das produções. O trabalho está organizado em duas etapas: 1) comparação quantitativa de duas décadas (2001-2011; 2012-2022); e 2) descrição e análise da unidade significativa de maior frequência da segunda década. O foco na percepção, da família, educadores e demais agentes, deve-se ao fato de uma mudança metodológica, de público-alvo e de contexto sócio-político, cuja finalidade é incentivar mais o processo inclusivo na educação. Nesse sentido, concluiu-se admitindo que existe implicitamente na constituição da relação família-escola, na educação inclusiva, o preconceito como atitude em ambas polaridades dessa relação, suscitando uma discussão ética e política.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: relação família-escola. educação inclusiva. preconceito.
REPERCUSSÕES NO CURSO DE VIDA DE MULHERES ADULTAS QUE VIVENCIARAM O ABUSO SEXUAL NA INFÂNCIA
Authors: Sousa Gomes Castro Maria de Nazare , Ribeiro Joaquim
Published: March 2024

Trata-se de um recorte de pesquisa com objetivo de tecer análises quanto as repercussões do abuso sexual sofrido na infância e suas repercussões no curso de vida de mulheres hoje adultas. Possui como chave de leitura para marcar o método a Teoria Bioecológica do Desenvolvimento Humano, por permitir compreender o desenvolvimento humano a partir da interação sistêmica de seus elementos. Os resultados indicaram que a criança que sofreu abuso sexual possui imaturidade para compreender os eventos da vida, não tendo compreensão total dos acontecimentos, porém são percebidos como um evento negativo, excessivo e injusto, causador de traumas e intensas repercussões em suas vidas. As vítimas de abuso sexual sofrem com as repercussões dos atos praticados contra seus corpos e suas subjetividades, mas também são vítimas das repercussões de processos anteriores que operam em seus cotidianos, interferindo no caráter das relações nas subculturas pela reprodução de ideologias, crenças e valores.
SEXUALIDADE NAS AULAS DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA
Authors: Moraes Antonio Celio de , Graupe Mareli Eliane , Pereira Josilaine Antunes
Published: March 2024

O artigo objetiva analisar as percepções de professores/as e alunos/as do Ensino Médio de uma Escola Itinerante no Sul do Brasil sobre a temática sexualidade nas aulas de Educação Física. Os principais referenciais teóricos são: Louro, Foucault, Furlani, Balestrin, Pereira, Altmann e outros. A pesquisa possui uma abordagem qualitativa e foram realizadas entrevistas focalizadas com quatro professores/as e seis alunos/as. Os dados foram analisados de acordo com o método de análise de conteúdo qualitativo de Mayring. Os resultados apontam que: a) o tema sexualidade ainda é considerado como um tabu; b) as/os estudantes buscam informações fora dos muros escolares; c) professores/as não se sentem preparados/as para abordar essa temática e apresentaram hesitação em função das famílias. Em síntese, há necessidade de mais discussões a respeito da temática em todas as áreas do conhecimento, e de políticas públicas que promovam essas reflexões nas escolas.
A PRIMEIRA PREPARADORA FÍSICA DO FUTEBOL BRASILEIRO
Authors: Costa da Cunha Leonardo , Rigo Luiz Carlos
Published: March 2024

No ano de 1975, na cidade do Rio Grande/RS, quando ainda vigorava o Decreto-Lei n. 3.199 de 1941, que proibia, entre outras práticas, o futebol feminino, a professora de Educação Física Cleusa Maia provoca uma ruptura nos padrões futebolísticos ao se tornar preparadora física de um clube profissional de futebol masculino. O estudo, que teve como procedimento operacional a história oral temática, utilizou-se dos relatos orais da própria profissional, do dirigente responsável por sua contratação e de um dos atletas da época, além das matérias publicadas em jornais e revistas. O artigo discorre sobre o seu pioneirismo e problematiza as críticas de gestores do futebol e da crônica esportiva, bem como a sua mudança de discurso ao longo da competição, além da percepção dos colaboradores sobre a presença feminina no futebol dos anos 1970, revelando, assim, muito sobre o seu tempo.
UMA ATIVIDADE CONSTRASSEXUAL INTERDISCIPLINAR
Authors: Moraes Martins de Barros Carolina , Batistoni e Silva Maíra
Published: March 2024

Apresentamos neste trabalho a proposta de uma atividade contrassexual, baseada na concepção de um currículo cultural contrassexual como aquele que permite que corpos considerados abjetos sejam reconhecidos como sujeitos e colocados como protagonistas de sua realidade. Elaboramos uma atividade interdisciplinar articulando conhecimentos da biologia e da educação física, pautada por uma questão sociocientífica cujo tema é a inserção de corpos diversos no esporte de alto rendimento. Observamos as interações dos grupos durante a realização da atividade e pudemos perceber que ela gera discussões contrassexuais, pois os grupos reconheceram injustiças às quais alguns corpos estão submetidos e estimulou o desejo de romper com normativas de sexo/gênero ao se pensar as categorias das competições esportivas.
CORPOS QUE PERFORMAM FUTEBÓIS
Authors: Hachler Ricardo Karoline , Tragino Plotegher Ândrea , Hartmann Andressa
Published: March 2024

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar e compreender como os diferentes corpos que participaram de uma “Roda de Conversa sobre Mulheres no Futebol e Jogos de Futebol” com uma árbitra e ex-atleta de futebol performam nas partidas de futebol no espaço-tempo escolar da Escola Estadual de Ensino Fundamental Abya Yala. Para tanto, optamos pela pesquisa narrativa como caminho teórico-metodológico, apoiada nas manifestações orais (falas) e gestuais (expressões e manifestações corporais) dos(as) estudantes das turmas dos anos finais do ensino fundamental. As análises nos mostraram que a vivência com o futebol arbitrada pela convidada possibilitou a compreensão de que os(as) alunos(as) experienciam de distintas formas e atribuem diferentes significados ao que vivem nas suas trajetórias. Foram produzidas diversasressonâncias nos(as) estudantes, sendo as questões de gênero, sexo e sexualidade os fios condutores dos debates e da vivência esportiva entre os(as) estudantes.
VIOLÊNCIA DOMÉSTICA CONTRA LUTADORAS
Authors: Passos Fernanda Mudesto , Vimieiro Ana Carolina
Published: March 2024

A violência doméstica persiste como um problema complexo, que afeta mulheres de diferentes vivências. No contexto esportivo, atletas enfrentam desafios únicos, atrelados às expectativas sociais sobre seus corpos e performances de gênero. Este estudo investiga os sentidos que circularam socialmente acerca da violência sobre mulheres atletas, com foco nas de modalidades de luta. A partir de uma revisão de literatura centrada nas pesquisas sobre esportes, gênero e violência, metodologicamente, adotamos o estudo de caso para analisar a denúncia de abuso feita pela lutadora Mackenzie Dern.Nosso recorte são as repercussões de quatro postagens no Instagram de perfis jornalísticos, totalizando 1010 comentários postados entre maio e junho de 2023, que foram analisados com métodos de análise de discurso em redes sociais. Os comentários, majoritariamente feitos por homens, indicam uma leitura reducionista da violência doméstica e reforçam a necessidade de aprofundar as discussões que interligam gênero, esporte e violência sobre as mulheres.
İNSANSI ROBOTLARA YÖNELİK NEGATİF ALGI VE TEKİNSİZ VADİ ETKİSİ: YOUTUBE KULLANICI YORUMLARI ÜZERİNE BİR İNCELEME
Authors: SAÇ Halil
Published: March 2024

İnsansı robotların (humanoids) gelecekte toplum içerisinde pek çok alanda kullanılacağı öngörülmektedir. Bu sebeple kitlelerin humanoidlere ilişkin algılarına-tutumlarına yönelik çalışmaların yapılması kilit bir noktada durmaktadır. Nitekim bireyler bu robotlara yönelik pozitif veya negatif algılar-tutumlar geliştirebilmekte, hatta korku gibi hislere kapılabilmektedir. Masahiro Mori, bazı robotların insansı nitelikler taşımalarının ancak tümüyle insan özellikleri sergilememelerinin bireylerde korku, ürkme gibi olumsuz hisler uyandırmasını “tekinsiz vadi” terimiyle açıklamaktadır. Bu çalışmada da insansı robotlara yönelik negatif algının-tutumun ve söz konusu algının-tutumun bir parçası olarak görülebilecek “tekinsiz vadi” etkisinin kitleler arasında yaygınlığına yönelik bulgular elde etmek amaçlanmıştır. Barış Özcan isimli YouTube kanalındaki “Dans eden bu robotlar GERÇEK Mİ?” başlıklı videonun/gönderinin kullanıcı yorumları örneklem olarak belirlenmiş, yorumlar ‘doküman analizi’ ekseninde MAXQDA aracı kullanılarak toplanmış, belirli kriterler ekseninde daraltılmış ve 1443 tanesi içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Yorumlar negatif, pozitif, nötr ve ilgisiz kategorilerinde kodlanarak niceliksel sıklıkları belirlenmiştir. Nihayetinde insansı robotlara yönelik negatif yorumların ağırlıkta olduğu ve negatif yorumların kayda değer bir kısmının bu çalışmada “tekinsiz vadi” etkisinin yansıması olarak kabul edilen korkmak, ürkmek gibi fiilleri veya bu fiillerden türetilen sıfatları taşıdığı saptanmıştır.