bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of normalized extremal quasimodular forms of depth 1 with integral Fourier coefficients
Authors: Nakaya Tomoaki
Published: October 2023

The main purpose of this paper is to determine all normalized extremal quasimodular forms of depth 1 whose Fourier coefficients are integers. By changing the local parameter at infinity from [Formula: see text] to the reciprocal of the elliptic modular [Formula: see text]-function, we prove that all normalized extremal quasimodular forms of depth 1 have a hypergeometric series expression and that integrality is not affected by this change of parameters. Furthermore, by transforming these hypergeometric series expressions into a certain manageable form related to the Atkin(-like) polynomials and using the lemmas that appeared in the study of [Formula: see text]-adic hypergeometric series by Dwork and Zudilin, the integrality problem can be reduced to the fact that a polynomial vanishes modulo a prime power, which we prove. We also prove that all extremal quasimodular forms of depth 1 with appropriate weight-dependent leading coefficients have integral Fourier coefficients by focusing on the hypergeometric expression of them.
Intermediate modular curves with infinitely many cubic points over ℚ
Authors: Dalal Tarun
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we determine all intermediate modular curves [Formula: see text] that admit infinitely many cubic points over the rational field [Formula: see text].
The twisted second moment of L-functions associated to Hecke–Maass forms
Authors: Liu Sheng-Chi , Streipel Jakob
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we establish an asymptotic formula for the twisted second moment of [Formula: see text]-functions associated to Hecke–Maass forms, which can be used to deduce a zero-density estimate for these [Formula: see text]-functions in the spectral aspect.
The Effect of Sustainable Applications of Chitin and Chitosan to Remove Dyed Pollutants Using Adsorption: A Review
Authors: Moradi O. , Hosseinian Naeini A. , Kalaee M. R. , Mirkhan S. M. R.
Published: October 2023

Sustainable wastewater treatment methods are very important and necessary because they help to protect the environment and the health of humans, animals and other living organisms. With the increase in industries and population, toxic dyes produced in various industries have created a serious issue for public health and the main concern of environmental protection. This method affects the quality of purified water and causes various diseases, and as a result, it ends in death. Water purification is very important and plays an important role in the environment. Pollutant removal has different methods that include physicochemical and biological treatment. Each of these methods shows different pollutant removal capabilities that are studied here, depending on the experimental limitations. Among the different methods of wastewater treatment, the methods that have a high cost are not used today, and the results have shown that researchers consider more in the fields that have a low cost of material and testing. Surface adsorption is considered the most efficient method due to its high removal efficiency, easy operation, cost-effectiveness and recyclability of adsorbents. In this paper, the sustainable applications of wastewater treatment for the removal of colored pollutants have been investigated. Here, chitin and chitosan are more commonly used nowadays due to the naturalness of the polymer material, and it is not toxic and has many uses in various fields that can be used by adsorption. In this context, this work aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the adsorption of dyes from wastewater by nano-biopolymers, especially chitin and chitosan, as adsorbents. First, a summary of biopolymers, the properties of chitin and chitosan and synthesis techniques are presented. After the classification of dyes, the techniques for removing them from the wastewater are described. In addition, the adsorption process and isotherms used for adsorption are described with different models. Among various adsorbents, such as carbon materials, metals/metal oxides and zeolites, nano-biopolymers, especially chitin and chitosan, are the most promising ones for environmental sustainability. The results show that the use of biocompatible biopolymers to remove dye pollutants in different dyeing and textile industries plays an important role in determining the sustainable methods of wastewater treatment and can reduce the environmental effects of industries. Surface adsorption can be compatible with the environment and remove various colored pollutants well so that we have clean and pollution-free water and can use water.
Pseudo-prime submodule elements of an le-module
Authors: Kumbhakar M. , Bhuniya A. K.
Published: October 2023

Here we introduce and study the concept of pseudo-prime submodule elements of an le-module. The pseudo-prime submodule elements of an le-module are useful to characterize several class, like topological, multiplication, content, pseudo-primeful le-modules. Besides we extend the Nakayama’s lemma to le-modules.
New smoothing function for solving absolute value equations
Authors: Chalekh Randa , Djeffal El Amir
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we use a smoothing-type algorithm in this paper to solve the AVE, which stands for the absolute value equation [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is an arbitrary [Formula: see text] real matrix and [Formula: see text]. We reformulate AVE as a system of smooth equations and propose two new smoothing functions. We prove that the algorithm is well-defined when the singular value of [Formula: see text] exceeds one, and under the same assumption, the algorithm is convergent. We show the algorithm’s effectiveness with these two functions and compare it with some previously known functions.
Magnifiers in semigroups of transformations whose restrictions belong to a given semigroup
Authors: Khirabdhi Sushree , Singh Shubh N.
Published: October 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be the full transformation semigroup on a set [Formula: see text]. For a subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and a submonoid [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text], denote by [Formula: see text] the semigroup under composition consisting of all transformations [Formula: see text] such that the restriction [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] belongs to [Formula: see text]. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for an element in [Formula: see text] to be left or right magnifier. We apply these descriptions to obtain more concrete results for the semigroups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) is the specific submonoid of [Formula: see text] consisting of all injective (respectively, surjective) transformations. The paper also identifies some results on [Formula: see text] that have appeared in the literature.
Wavelet sets, scaling sets and generalized scaling sets on Vilenkin group
Authors: Mahapatra Prasadini , Singh Divya , Swain Arpit Chandan
Published: October 2023

Wavelet sets provide a range of wavelets that can be analyzed with ease. The constructions of wavelet sets and scaling sets in different settings are studied in several papers in the literature. Wavelet sets provide a good source of examples and counterexamples in wavelet theory. In this paper we have studied properties of (multi)wavelet sets and associated wavelets for Vilenkin group. Further, results related to scaling sets and generalized scaling sets are given along with some characterizations.
Inverse scattering problem for the tensor fields in a coordinate-free representation
Authors: Balandin Alexander
Published: October 2023

The paper is devoted to the inverse scattering problem in order to study the complex media whose electrical and magnetic properties are the tensor functions. The tensor Fourier diffraction theorem, derived in the paper, gives the relations connecting the scattered field and the inherent properties of the scattering medium. The method is based on the first Born approximation. The tensor (dyadic) analysis for derivation of the tensor Fourier diffraction theorem in the coordinate-free form is used.
Study on the deformation capacity of multi-material 4D-printed LCE actuators
Authors: Tong Yutang , Xiao Xingzhi , Liu Tingting , Wang Nan , Liao Wenhe
Published: October 2023

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have attracted much attention because of their large, reversible, and anisotropic deformation, fast response to various external stimuli and excellent mechanical properties. LCE ink was prepared by a catalyst-free aza-Michael addition chemistry. A multi-material four-dimensional (4D)-printed laminated LCE actuator including Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), conductive circuits and LCEs was fabricated by direct ink writing (DIW) technology. The influence of the input current and resistance values on the thermal effect of conductive circuits was studied. The functional relationship between the LCE actuator’s bending angle and printing parameters was obtained. The LCE actuator with a bending angle controllable at 0-410° was fabricated. This research is expected to bring about new possibilities in novel intelligent LCE devices with programmable stimuli-responsive properties and optimal actuation capacities.
Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Evaluation of Conjunctival Vessels in Dry Eyes
Authors: Cui TongFeng , Sun HongYan , Hu ZiZhong , Shi YaBo , Zhu Jiang , Jin ManMan , Qin Bing
Published: October 2023

Objective. This study aimed to evaluate conjunctival vessels in patients with dry eye disease (DED) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods. This was a cross‐sectional, observational clinical study. Twenty‐three eyes of 18 patients with DED and 28 eyes of 23 healthy controls were included for examination in this study. The evaluation included the application of an Ocular Surface Disease Index Questionnaire, Schirmer Basic Secretion Test, and anterior OCTA targeting the temporal conjunctiva. AngioTool software was used to quantify the total vessel length and vessel density in the 3 × 3 mm temporal region of interest. Results. Blood vessel density measurements were compared across the OCTA systems. The total vessel length within the conjunctiva of the DED group (4799.34 ± 834.36) exceeded that of the control eye (3864.89 ± 1455.70) group (P < 0.05). However, the difference in vessel density between the two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Measurement and analysis of conjunctival blood vessels using OCTA exhibited robust repeatability. In dry eyes, the total number of conjunctival blood vessels increased in accordance with disease severity. Hypoxia of conjunctival tissue may be an important cause of dry eye disease.
Burden of Anemia among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Adults on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy at Hawassa University Compressive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Sisay , Hirigo Melaku , Jember Dawit , Shifeta Mekdes , Ketema Worku
Published: October 2023

Background. Anemia is the most common hematologic abnormality associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and affects 60% to 80% of patients in late-stage disease. It has a considerable impact on the progression of HIV to advanced stages. This study aimed at assessing the burden of anemia in adult HIV-infected patients who are on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and have follow-up at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH) Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic. Methods. A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted among HIV-positive adults on HAART at Hawassa University Compressive Specialized Hospital. The systematic sampling method was used to choose a total of 244 study participants. Data on demographic characteristics, related factors of anemia, latest hemoglobin, CD4, and ART regimens were collected using a structured data abstraction format. The data were cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 after being manually checked for completeness. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to detect elements associated with anemia. A

P

value of <0.05 was used as a cutoff point to announce statistical significance. Results. The records of 244 patients were examined in total. Anemia was present in 29.9% (95% CI 23.8–35.2) among adult HIV patients. Female sex (AOR: 2.576, 95% (CI: 1.295–5.127)), having tuberculosis (TB) (AOR: 4.873, 95% (CI: 1.534–15.484)), taking a zidovudine (ZDV)-containing ART regimen (AOR: 5.216, 95% (CI: 1.239–21.962)), having clinical WHO stage IV and III diseases (AOR: 3.077, 95% CI (1.244–7.612)), having body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 (AOR: 2.391, 95% (CI: 1.138–5.023)), and taking cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (AOR: 3.860 95% (CI: 1.097–13.576)) were substantially linked to the development of anemia among adult HIV patients. Conclusion and Recommendation. This study showed that anemia is still a problem among HIV patients on HAART. The burden of anemia was found to be high among patients with advanced WHO clinical stages, having a BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2, TB/HIV coinfection, being on AZT-based ART regimens, and taking cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT). Consequently, it is suggested that early preventative interventions, such as serial hemoglobin follow-up, iron supplementation, and education about dietary consumption, be undertaken targeting the aforementioned groups. In addition, the preferred first-line ART regimen as per the latest national and WHO guidelines is recommended, especially for the above groups.
Broadband Polarization-Decoupled Metasurface for Generating Tailored Dual-Polarization Conical Beams
Authors: Yang Lingjun , Ying Beier , Sun Sheng
Published: October 2023

Conical beam antenna plays a significant role in providing stable access to satellite signals for moving communication terminals. Although metasurfaces have been used to generate conical beams, most of them can only reflect conical beams with identically distributed and mirror-symmetric phase responses for left-hand circular polarization and right-hand circular polarization, which can hinder the dual-polarization applications of metasurfaces. In this study, a metasurface is designed to independently manipulate dual-polarized excitations in broadband. To achieve the broadband control of conical beams, broadband conditions for both geometric and propagation phases are developed. Differently, metasurface designed in this study consists of three types of distinguishingly shaped elements, which can provide more degree of freedom in dual-polarization broadband design. In addition, a design method is developed for metasurface to generate the cone angle tailorable conical beams. Via fabricating a metasurface following the proposed method, the designed metasurface is verified in theorem, simulation, and experiment that it can generate desired conical beams with tailored divergent angles and phase responses covering a bandwidth from 12.5 GHz to 17 GHz.
Reporting Real-World Data on Prostate Cancer Treatment Outcomes to Consumers: The Prostate Cancer Report Card
Authors: Tiruye Tenaw , Ettridge Kerry , O’Callaghan Michael , Moretti Kim , Jay Alex , Higgs Braden , Santoro Kerry , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Roder David , Beckmann Kerri
Published: October 2023

Aim. To describe the process of developing a resource, the “Prostate Cancer Outcomes Report Card,” that provides information for men with prostate cancer and their family members about the outcomes of different treatment approaches. Methods. The project consisted of two phases. The first phase involved analysis of real-world data and translating outcomes into a format that consumers found easy to understand and interpret. The Report Card was developed in consultation with a consumer advisory group (n = 8). The second phase involved refinements of the resource through exploratory qualitative interviews with consumers (n = 14), an online survey among the general public (n = 134), and clinician feedback (n = 8). Results. Consumer engagement to explore preferences about the content and visual presentation from the end-users’ perspective was crucial in designing this report. Consumers required trustworthy, comprehensive, simple, and up-to-date information collated in one place to help them understand the risks and benefits of their treatments. Presenting survival, cancer recurrence, and functional outcomes by treatment type and risk category was highly commended while data on high survival rates were considered reassuring. We identified high levels of unmet psychosocial and supportive care need, with differences in individual preferences around extent of information required. Conclusions. Communicating registry data about real-world outcomes in a consumer-friendly way may help fill a gap in information needs among prostate cancer survivors. Providing relatively simple and easily understandable evidence in a single consumer-oriented report may help prostate cancer survivors become better informed and facilitate patient-provider communication and shared decision making.
Dinámica Poblacional y Crecimiento Económico
Authors: Ponce Carlos
Published: October 2023

En este artículo estudio los vínculos entre el tamaño poblacional, el crecimiento económico y la evolución de la pobreza. Siendo consciente de las simplificaciones subsiguientes, mi objetivo es echar algo de luz sobre estas complejas relaciones usando instrumentos económicos tradicionales. Continuar leyendo...
Genetic data to describe the hybrid zone between Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) and Bufo verrucosissimus (Pallas, 1814) in northeastern Türkiye
Authors: Dursun Cantekin , Sánchez-Montes Gregorio , Özdemir Nurhayat , Gül Serkan , Martínez-Solano Iñigo
Published: October 2023

Hybrid zones are geographic areas where individuals from distinct taxa meet, mate, and hybridize. These zones may have complex histories, but many of them originated relatively recently, during climatic oscillations in the Quaternary, following range shifts of formerly isolated, well-differentiated lineages. The Bufo bufo species group comprises four species distributed over the Western Palearctic. Whereas the contact zone between Bufo bufo and B. spinosus in western Europe has been well characterized, little is known about other species contacts. Here we focused on the contact between B. verrucosissimus and B. bufo in northeastern Türkiye, using mtDNA and microsatellite markers to describe genetic structure and patterns of admixture in the hybrid zone based on Bayesian clustering and cline analyses. Both species meet in a narrow contact zone at Rize province, with restricted introgression suggesting barriers to hybridization consistent with species status. Spatial population genetic analyses of microsatellite data pinpoint a possible enclave population of B. bufo at the Borçka district in Artvin province, isolated within the B. verrucosissimus range. The centers of the microsatellite and mtDNA-based clines are slightly displaced, with B. verrucosissimus mtDNA introgressing about 33 km W of the nuclear contact. Hybrid zone dynamics seem to be associated with range shifts mediated by Pleistocene glacial cycles and/or sex-biased dispersal.
What do ‘local elites’ seek from EU security policies in the Sahel? Re-thinking the agency of non-European actors
Authors: Colomba-Petteng Léonard
Published: October 2023

The European Union (EU) has been attempting to promote stability in the Sahel since 2011 through capacity-building missions in the security and defence sectors. These policy instruments have been criticised for their limited effectiveness. To explain it, a common argument claims that ‘local elites’ lack ownership and political engagement. This article opposes such rationale and suggests that we need to rethink the agency of non-European actors beyond a Eurocentric conceptual toolbox (‘resistance’, ‘fragility’, ‘ownership’). Building on an ethnography of the European capacity-building mission in support of security forces in Niger (EUCAP Sahel), this article shows that Nigerien elites regard the EU as an economic resource rather than a genuine security actor. Therefore, they primarily seek economic profits, material advantages, and professional opportunities from EU security policies. The argument proceeds in three steps. The first part intends to refine the broad category of ‘local elites’. I suggest an inductive distinction that helps simplify our understanding of the agential practices of non-European actors. The second part uses this inductive distinction to foreground different strategies of Nigerien elites to make the most out of EU security policies. Third, the article discusses both the theoretical and policy implications of these empirical findings.
Exploring the Relationship Between Religiosity and Offending Intentions Among Various Sub-Samples of Incarcerated Individuals
Authors: Cooper Maisha N. , Bouffard Jeff A.
Published: October 2023

Researchers suggest an inverse relationship between criminal behaviors and a number of social bonds, including religiosity, but few studies have examined religiosity’s impact among adults, especially those known to have committed serious crimes. Utilizing survey data from a large sample of men and women incarcerated for felonies in a southwestern correctional system, we estimated a series of regressions examining the relationship between religiosity and intentions to drive drunk, controlling for a number of other social and self-control measures. We also explored possible race and sex differences in these relationships. Results support the negative relationship between religiosity and crime; and indicate that this significant relationship is similar among men and women, and also among White and African American individuals.
Do Resources Help or Hurt? The Critical Roles of Me, Others, and Organization in Mitigating Workplace Demands
Authors: Chen Yuan-Ling , Hsieh Hsiow-Ling
Published: October 2023

Today’s job demands−resources (JD–R) literature emphasizes the interactions between job demands and resources. However, the dynamism of JD–R processes in which individuals manage to counteract the detrimental effects of job demands on employees by flexibly adjusting resources calls this relationship into question. Hence, in this study, we depict JD–R dynamics in the workplace by developing a cross-level moderated-mediation model that unveils the different roles played by job and personal resources when they are woven together with job demands. We examine how and when the relationships among three types of resources—organizationally assigned high-performance work systems (HPWSs), psychological capital (PsyCap), and social support climate (SSC)—help employees deal with excessive workload and unhealthy emotional demands. Using a two-wave research design, we measured and tested the causal relationships of the proposed variables. We found that (1) HPWSs had a negative effect on workload, (2) workload provoked employee emotional demands, (3) the interaction between HPWSs and PsyCap increased workload, and (4) SSC mitigated the positive effect of workload on employee emotional demands. This study contributes to the JD–R theory and literature by unlocking the potential roles of various resources. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations, and future research avenues are also presented.
Research on fabric image registration and color difference detection based on cyclic elements
Authors: Zhang Zhouqiang , Liu Jianghao , Zan Jie , Wang Zhenhua
Published: October 2023

In order to realize online color difference detection of printed fabrics, a color difference detection method of printed fabrics based on image segmentation and image registration was proposed to detect the color difference of simple printed fabrics. The acquired standard fabric images are segmented using the combination of a Canny edge detector and uniform grid partitioning. The color information of each sub image is extracted based on the segmentation results and saved. We use the speeded-up robust features algorithm that incorporates the position information of the cyclic element where the feature points are located. The segmentation path of the standard image is registered onto the fabric image to be detected. The color information of each sub image of the image to be detected is extracted according to the registered segmentation path. The color difference value between the sub image of the image to be detected and the sub image of the standard sample is calculated using the CIEDE2000 color difference formula. The experimental results show that when fabric images with duplicate patterns are registered, the image registration methods mentioned in this paper significantly improve the accuracy of registration. The accuracy of the detection method in this paper on the printed fabric dataset can reach 95% compared to the manual calibration results.
A Case of Asymptomatic Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Authors: Fu Yueyan , Yang Tiancai , Liang Peng , Deng Xiaoqian
Published: October 2023

The tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal flow between the esophagus and the trachea. Most patients with TEF experience severe symptoms. Asymptomatic TEF is rare. In this case report, a 47-year-old woman planned to undergo orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia. She had no symptoms related to TEF, and the preoperative chest computed tomography was also normal. However, there was significant airway resistance after induction. Using a fiber bronchoscope, a TEF was discovered. The TEF found after anesthesia due to high airway pressure is unusual, and the outcome and treatment of these patients need to be further discussed.
Unclearing the air: Data’s unexpected limitations for environmental advocacy
Authors: Nafus Dawn
Published: October 2023

What makes one dataset powerful for civic advocacy, and another fall flat? Drawing from a citizen science project on environmental health, I argue that there is an underacknowledged quality of datasets—their topology—that shapes the social, cultural, and political possibilities they can sustain or subvert. Data topologies are formal qualities of a dataset that connect data collectors’ intentions with the types of calculations that can and cannot be performed. This configures how numerical arguments are made, and the sociotechnical imaginaries those arguments sustain or subvert. The citizen science project’s data topology made any easy notion of shared exposure to pollutants, or singular health effects, unravel. The data appeared to tell a story of atypicality at scale, where each person suffers differently from different exposure. Lacking a central tendency, or pockets of tendency disproportionately carried by different subgroups, it became it harder, not easier, for citizen scientists to use data in regulatory contexts, where dominant sociotechnical imaginaries conceive of difference in epidemiological and toxicological terms.
Becoming a Survivor? Identity Creation Post-violence
Authors: Warner Meghan Olivia
Published: October 2023

In recent decades, advocates have sought to combat stereotypes about sexual violence and victims. This effort included replacing the term “victim” with the term “survivor,” but researchers have little understanding of how people who have experienced violence understand these terms. Drawing on in-depth interviews of 30 young people marginalized by gender who have experienced sexual violence, I find that few strongly identified with either label. Respondents described victim and survivor in contrast with each other, creating two typologies of response post-violence that exist along a continuum. Respondents described “victim” as an all-encompassing label that communicated overall weakness and passivity. Most distanced themselves from the victim label and aspired to the survivor label. However, most did not identify as survivors. They described being a survivor as the result of a long process toward becoming strong, morally worthy people who had “moved on” and were ready to advocate for others. Respondents’ descriptions of survivors constitutes what I theorize as the “perfect survivor narrative,” a cultural script that made it difficult for most people in the sample to identify as a survivor, with implications for their racialized and gendered self-perceptions. The findings demonstrate the freedoms and constraints of using new language to combat dominant narratives.
Effect of Drinking Water and Sanitation on Child Undernutrition and Diarrhea in Lao PDR
Authors: Kamiya Yusuke , Kishida Takaaki
Published: October 2023

Childhood undernutrition and diarrhea remain a global health burden in the 21st century. We assessed the effect of access to basic drinking water and sanitation at home on reducing children’s likelihood of being undernourished and experiencing diarrhea in Laos. We pooled two rounds of nationally representative cross-sectional household surveys: the Lao Social Indicator Surveys 2011/2012 and 2017, encompassing 23 070 children aged <5 years. We employed multivariate multilevel logistic regression for the analysis. The results showed that access to basic drinking water was associated with a reduced likelihood of undernutrition and was effective in improving child undernutrition. Moreover, access to basic sanitation reduced diarrhea in addition to undernutrition. Notably, sanitation facilities only mitigated childhood stunting and diarrhea when basic drinking water facilities were present in the household. We also confirmed that socio-economic disparities existed among children accessing basic drinking water and sanitation. Consequently, further efforts are needed toward equitable access to these facilities in Laos.
Analyzing Financial Efficiency of Public-Private Partnerships Hospitals in Taiwan
Authors: Gao Mi-Zuo , Chou Ying-Hsiang , Chang Yan-Zin , Pai Jar-Yuan , Li Ya-Hsin , Lai Yu-Wen , Yu Nai-Chi
Published: October 2023

This study evaluates the management capacity ability and profitable capacity of eight public-private partnership hospitals in Taiwan from 2015 to 2020. By conducting various ratio analyses of the financial statement, this study found these hospitals have achieved a balance between management efficiency and profitability, thereby confirming the viability of the PPP model for hospital management. In addition, the subject hospitals play a vital role as isolation hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond offering medical assistance to infected individuals, these hospitals contribute to the integrity of Taiwan’s medical network, mitigating the impact of the pandemic. Overall, establishing and managing hospitals with PPP partnership is a feasible solution as it alleviates governmental financial burdens related to medical welfare and achieves profitability.
Eponyms for the Description and Classification of Calcaneus Fractures
Authors: Fisher Nina D. , Bi Andrew S. , Tejwani Nirmal , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: October 2023

There are several eponyms used in the assessment and management of calcaneus fractures. However, the origin of these eponyms is no longer widely known. Named for orthopaedic surgeons who made substantial contributions to the management of calcaneus fractures as well as the field of orthopaedic surgery, understanding the context of how these descriptors were derived helps give context to their use in the present day. The purpose of this review is to provide a historical perspective and comprehensive collection of the most common eponyms related to calcaneus fractures.
The Impact of a Public Health Campaign to Deter Viewing of Child Sexual Abuse Images Online: A Case Study of the UK Stop It Now! Campaign
Authors: Newman Emily F. , Efthymiadou Erifili , Quayle Ethel , Squire Tom , Denis Deborah , Wortley Richard , Beier Klaus M. , Koukopoulos Nikolaos
Published: October 2023

Public campaigns offer an opportunity to prevent child sexual abuse by raising awareness and promoting help available to bystanders, victims, and those at risk of perpetrating the abuse. This paper explores the impact of The Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s ‘Stop It Now!’ campaign in the UK (2015–2018) on help-seeking. Helpline calls (11,190 unique callers), website analytics (109,432 new website visitors) and three website-hosted surveys ( N = 252) provided data on help-seeking, awareness, and self-reported behavior. Results indicated that there were more visitors to the help website during active campaigning periods, and helpline callers and website visitors were more likely to seek help after viewing campaign materials during active than non-active campaign periods. Help-seekers were predominantly men concerned about their own behavior. Survey 2 respondents concerned about their own behavior ( n = 53) indicated that their awareness of the law (75.5%), and legal and personal consequences (67.9%) had changed after hearing about the campaign, and 66% reported a change in behavior. Public health campaigns may be an effective way to promote help-seeking and prevent abuse.
Insights Into Metformin XR Pharmacotherapy Knowledge Among Community Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jairoun Ammar Abdulrahman , Al-Hemyari Sabaa Saleh , Shahwan Moyad , Hassan Nageeb , Zyoud Sa’ed H , Jaber Ammar Ali Saleh , Al-Qirim Tariq
Published: October 2023

Background:

There is a little knowledge on the extent to which healthcare providers understand and accept the professional recommendations and appropriate dosing strategy regarding metformin XR.

Objectives:

To evaluate UAE community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) concerning metformin XR.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional research study conducted amongst licensed community pharmacists. The survey took place via a questionnaire and physical interviews were held. The survey used in this study included questions on demographics and questions on the participants’ attitudes, knowledge and practices concerning metformin XR. The factors influencing KAP regarding metformin XR were examined via simple logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Threehundred fifty-three (n = 353) participants were recruited in the study. Independent pharmacies constituted 57.5% of this study sample and 42.5% were chain pharmacies. The average knowledge score about metformin XR tablets was 42.5% with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% [37.3%, 47.4]. Better knowledge scores on metformin XR tablets was observed in respondents aged ⩾40 years (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.63-5.4), having greater than 10 years in terms of experience (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.25-4.16) and pharmacist graduated from Regional or international universities (OR 2.08; 95% CI 1.34-3.24). About 78% (n = 275) of the participants believed that metformin XR tablets have better efficacy and 63.2% (n = 233) indicated that metformin IR was associated with greater adverse effects.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated a distinct gap in knowledge, attitude and practice pertaining to metformin XR among community pharmacists in the UAE. The community pharmacists need to enhance their practice by receiving accurate and reliable data to support their decision-making on the prescribing of metformin XR. The implementation of novel guidelines and evidence dissemination strategies may help bridge this gap.
Study on the interaction between shaking table and eccentric load
Authors: Wang Juke , Li Xiaojun , Liu Aiwen , Chen Su , Fu Lei , Jin Liguo
Published: October 2023

The control-structure interaction (CSI) between shaking table and eccentric load is one of the most important reasons causing the accuracy degradation of shaking table test. At present, the eccentric ratio (ER) of load and the coupling between actuators pose challenges to study the CSI. Thus, this paper establishes an analytical transfer function matrix of a shaking table and eccentric load. Based on the transfer function matrix, a comprehensive study is conducted to analyse the CSI effect under different eccentric ratio conditions. The analysis proves the influence of the CSI, and the CSI amplifies the actuator coupling more than 22 times at 20.00 Hz. Furthermore, a real-time CSI compensation strategy considering the actuator coupling is proposed. With the adopting of the proposed strategy, the coupling between two actuators is fully eliminated, and the correlation coefficients of ground motion records of two actuators are improved by 14.75% and 5.48%, respectively.
Trailing edge serrations for noise control in axial-flow automotive cooling fans
Authors: Hur Kwang Ho , Haider Basharat Ali , Sohn Chang Hyun
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the use of trailing edge serrations to reduce the noise generated by axial-flow automotive cooling fans. Three different serration profiles (sinusoidal, rectangular, and triangular) were examined, with the profiles being extended radially along the entire blade length and truncated at half the blade length while keeping the dimensionless wave number k∗ and wave amplitude 2 h∗ constant. The simulations employed a hybrid URANS-LES solver for the flow field and Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings analogy for the sound field, corresponding to the maximum volumetric flow rate and fan rotational speed. Acoustic pressure measurements were taken at multiple receivers upstream and downstream of the fan, and the overall sound pressure level was computed based on the results. Furthermore, the study also compared the aerodynamic performance of all serration types with the baseline fan, revealing that the baseline fan was relatively more efficient than their serrated counterparts. Despite the reduced efficiency, the trailing edge serrations offered significant noise reduction benefits of up to 10 dB, making them a promising solution for improving acoustic comfort in automotive cooling systems.
Synthesis of glycine from 4-hydroxyproline in tissues of neonatal pigs with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Hu Shengdi , He Wenliang , Bazer Fuller W , Johnson Gregory A , Wu Guoyao
Published: October 2023

This study tested the hypothesis that the synthesis of glycine from 4-hydroxyproline (an abundant amino acid in milk and neonatal blood) was impaired in tissues of piglets with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), thereby contributing to a severe glycine deficiency in these compromised neonates. At 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of age, IUGR piglets were euthanized, and tissues (liver, small intestine, kidney, pancreas, stomach, skeletal muscle, and heart) were obtained for metabolic studies, as well as the determination of enzymatic activities, cell-specific localization, and expression of mRNAs for glycine-synthetic enzymes. The results indicated relatively low enzymatic activities for 4-hydroxyproline oxidase (OH-POX), proline oxidase, serine hydroxymethyltransferase, threonine dehydrogenase (TDH), alanine: glyoxylate transaminase, and 4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate aldolase in the kidneys and liver from 0- to 21-day-old IUGR pigs, in the pancreas of 7- to 21-day-old IUGR pigs, and in the small intestine and skeletal muscle (except TDH) of 21-day-old IUGR pigs. Accordingly, the rates of conversion of 4-hydroxyproline into glycine were relatively low in tissues of IUGR piglets. The expression of mRNAs for glycine-synthetic enzymes followed the patterns of enzymatic activities and was also low. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the relatively low abundance of OH-POX protein in the liver, kidney, and small intestine of IUGR piglets, and the lack of OH-POX zonation in their livers. These novel results provide a metabolic basis to explain why the endogenous synthesis of glycine is insufficient for optimum growth of IUGR piglets and have important implications for improving the nutrition and health of other mammalian neonates including humans with IUGR.
Quercetin supplementation attenuates airway hyperreactivity and restores airway relaxation in rat pups exposed to hyperoxia
Authors: Kryeziu Islam , Reçica Shkëlzen , Thaçi Qëndrim , Kurshumliu Fisnik , Hadzi-Petrushev Nikola , Basholli-Salihu Mimoza , Mladenov Mitko , Sopi Ramadan B
Published: October 2023

Hyperoxia exposure of immature lungs contributes to lung injury and airway hyperreactivity. Up to now, treatments of airway hyperreactivity induced by hyperoxia exposure have been ineffective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of quercetin on hyperoxia-induced airway hyperreactivity, impaired relaxation, and lung inflammation. Newborn rats were exposed to hyperoxia (FiO2 > 95%) or ambient air (AA) for seven days. Subgroups were injected with quercetin (10 mg·kg−1·day−1). After exposures, tracheal cylinders were prepared for in vitro wire myography. Contraction to methacholine was measured in the presence or absence of organ bath quercetin and/or Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Relaxation responses were evoked in preconstricted tissues using electrical field stimulation (EFS). Lung tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Contractile responses of tracheal smooth muscle (TSM) of hyperoxic animals were significantly increased compared with AA animals ( P < 0.001). Treatment with quercetin significantly reduced contraction in hyperoxic groups compared with hyperoxic control ( P < 0.01), but did not have any effect in AA groups. In hyperoxic animals, relaxation of TSM was significantly reduced compared with AA animals ( P < 0.001), while supplementation of quercetin restored the lost relaxation in hyperoxic groups. Incubation of preparations in L-NAME significantly reduced the quercetin effects on both contraction and relaxation ( P < 0.01). Treatment of hyperoxic animals with quercetin significantly decreased the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β compared with hyperoxic controls ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively).

The findings of this study demonstrate the protective effect of quercetin on airway hyperreactivity and suggest that quercetin might serve as a novel therapy to prevent and treat neonatal hyperoxia-induced airway hyperreactivity and inflammation.
Oral histories: lessons we can learn from the past
Authors: Wang Claire
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of hindsight in response to global health crises. Although globalization has amplified worldwide perspectives, many lessons learned from past outbreaks in Indigenous communities have been overlooked. Oral histories are deeply rooted traditions that have played a significant role in the health practices of Indigenous communities across Canada. These practices can provide valuable insights into past epidemics or casualty events and their short- to long-term impacts. They have shaped responses to COVID-19, with Indigenous communities implementing self-determination efforts, such as community closures, contact tracing, and isolation measures. These traditions have heavily influenced population health practices in other contexts, such as the 1700 Cascadia earthquake, smallpox, and tuberculosis outbreaks. However, challenges remain in facilitating disease data transparency and Indigenous sovereignty. Efforts should be made to promote recognizing and respecting Indigenous knowledge and practices within the broader health system.
Development of a Novel Rat Knee Osteoarthritis Model Induced by Medial Meniscus Extrusion
Authors: Fukui Daisuke , Nishiyama Daisuke , Yamanaka Manabu , Tamai Hidenobu , Nishio Naoko , Kawakami Mamoru , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

Objective

The medial meniscus extrusion (MME) is associated with increased stress on the knee joint, which leads to cartilage degeneration. To evaluate the etiology of knee osteoarthritis, it is extremely important to create animal models of the disease that more closely resemble actual clinical conditions in terms of symptomatology, molecular biology, and histology. This study aimed to create a clinically relevant model of MME in rats.

Design

Behavioral, molecular biological, and histological changes in the newly developed rat MME model were compared with those in sham and medial meniscus transection and medial collateral ligament transection (MMT) models to examine the characteristics of this model.

Results

In the MME rat model, behavioral evaluation shows abnormalities in gait compared with the other 2 groups, and molecular biological evaluation of the infrapatellar synovia of rats shows that gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, matrix-degrading enzymes, and pain-related nerve growth factor was increased compared with the sham group. Furthermore, histological evaluation reveals that cartilage degeneration was the most severe in the MME group.

Conclusions

The newly developed MME model reproduced the characteristic pathology of MME in clinical practice, such as severe pain, inflammation, and rapid progression of osteoarthritis. The MME model, which might more closely mimic human knee osteoarthritis (OA), could be a useful model for elucidating the pathophysiology and considering therapeutic management for knee OA.
Trajectory of Systemic Blood Pressure in Early Life: A Cohort Study
Authors: Holanda Norrara Scarlytt de Oliveira , Cruz Maria Clara Lima da , Xavier Cynthia Cibelle dos Santos , Almeida Valeria Azevedo de , Moran Cristiane Aparecida , Azevedo Ingrid Guerra , Nunes Adriele de Morais , Pereira Silvana Alves
Published: October 2023

Objective. To track the BP (blood pressure) trajectory of healthy infants during the first year of life of healthy infants born in Northeast Brazil. Methods. In this cohort study, BP was assessed by oscillometry at the first 24 hours of life and 12 months of age. Results. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased with age ( P < .001) and were not influenced by gender (SBP: P = .178 and DBP: P = .623) or type of delivery (SBP: P = .827 and DBP: P = .106), when compared between the first 24 hours of life and 12 months of age. Conclusion. The data from the present study increased knowledge about the trajectory of BP during the first year of life. The increase in BP between the first month and the first year of life was not influenced by gender or type of delivery.
Superinfected and Ruptured Occipital Meningocele: Case Report
Authors: Kabila Badr , Zhim Meriem , Naggar Amine , el Hadad Siham , Allali Nazik , Chat Latifa
Published: October 2023

Meningocele is a rare congenital malformation of the central nervous system resulting from a herniation of the meninges containing cerebrospinal fluid through a bony defect in the skull. It is part of neural tube closure anomalies. The overall incidence of meningocele is 0.8 to 3 per 10 000 live births; it varies based on geographical location and race, with a predominance of occipital localization. Among diagnostic methods, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain crucial examinations. Prenatal diagnosis of this malformation primarily relies on ultrasound and screening through maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. They typically manifest very early at birth with a highly suggestive radioclinical presentation. Surgical treatment usually allows for a definitive cure. Superinfection and rupture of the meningocele are exceptional, resulting from delayed diagnosis and management. In several developed countries, prevention through genetic counseling and the intake of folic acid during the periconceptional period, along with accurate prenatal diagnosis and the legalization of therapeutic abortion, has led to a decrease in the prevalence of meningoceles. In less developed countries, where there is a delay in diagnosis in exceptional cases, superinfection and rupture may occur. We present the case of an 8-month-old infant with a complicated occipital meningocele with superinfection and rupture.