bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Us Inflation Using Multi-Recurrent Neural Network Ensembles: A New Approach for Professional Forecasters?
Authors: BINNER Jane Margot , Kelly Logan J. , Tepper Jonathan A.
Published: December 2024

Accurate inflation forecasting is critical for effective monetary policymaking, particularly during economic turning points that necessitate shifts in policy stance. This study evaluates the performance of multi-recurrent networks (MRNs), a class of recurrent neural networks with advanced memory mechanisms, in predicting inflation turning points more accurately than conventional methods such as the Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF). Using U.S. macroeconomic data from January 1970 to May 2024, the MRNs were trained and validated on data through December 2022 and tested on out-of-sample data from January 2023 to May 2024. The models produced forecasts from t+1 to t+15 step-ahead, capturing both short- and medium-term inflation dynamics.

Our findings show that MRNs, consistently outperform the SPF and other baseline models across key forecast evaluation metrics, including RMSE, MAE, and Theil’s U. Notably, the MRNs successfully identify inflation turning points earlier, predicting inflation to return to target levels by May 2024 - months ahead of SPF projections.

This study underscores the utility of MRNs in capturing nonlinear and dynamic relationships within economic data, providing a robust alternative to traditional econometric approaches. These results highlight the potential of neural network-based methodologies to improve forecasting accuracy and inform more timely and effective policy decisions.
Descriptive Analysis of Pediatric Studies Included in the European Union Post-Authorization Study Register from 2010 to 2023
Authors: Landi Annalisa , Reggiardo Giorgio , Didio Antonella , D’Ercole Annunziata , Ceci Adriana , Govere Grace Shalom , Bonifazi Donato , Bonifazi Fedele , Crisafulli Salvatore , Trifirò Gianluca , Kaguelidou Florentia , Hakkarainen Katja Marja , Gvozdanović Katarina , Barone-Adesi Francesco , Ucciero Andrealuna , Felisi Mariagrazia
Published: December 2024

This work aimed to analyze pediatric Post-Authorization Studies (PASs) registered in the European Union electronic Register of Post-Authorization Studies (EU PAS Register) from September 2010 until April 2023 to identify trends in terms of timing, age groups and therapeutic areas, and to discuss pediatric specificities and sources of funding for the PASs. A screening process identified PASs conducted exclusively on the pediatric population, and instructions were provided to ensure standardized data collection from the EU PAS Register. A univariate linear regression descriptive analysis was performed to assess trends over time, while a multivariate linear regression analysis helped explore additional characteristics of the studies. Of the 2,574 PASs extracted from the EU PAS Registry, 165 were included in the analysis. The majority of pediatric PASs were observational studies (86%), and most of them utilized secondary data (53%). The annual number of PASs increased significantly between 2010 and 2023. As envisaged, the largest part was funded by pharmaceutical companies (62%). Anti-infectives for systemic uses (25%), medicines for the nervous system (18%), and antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (15%) resulted the most studied drugs. Our findings show that post-marketing observational research in pediatric populations has increased over time. Nevertheless, industry-academia collaboration should be encouraged, and regulatory guidance is needed to prioritize research in areas of unmet therapeutic need.
Frequency-Range-Specific Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure and the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Upper Extremities: The German Hand-Arm-Vibration Study
Authors: Sun Yi , Bochmann Frank , Eckert Winfried , Nigmann Uwe , van den Berg Christian , Kaulbars Uwe , Raffler Nastaran
Published: December 2024

To quantify the effect of frequency-range-specific hand-arm vibration (FRS-HAV) exposure on the risk of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (UMSDs), we performed an analysis among the study sample of the German Hand-Arm Vibration Study. In total, 206 cases and 609 controls were included in this analysis. Cases were new patients with UMSDs. Controls were a random sample of persons with compensable occupational injuries. Standardized personal interviews were performed among cases and controls. In addition to leisure activities and comorbidities, detailed work histories were obtained from all participants. To quantify FRS-HAV exposures, a database of vibration measurements of over 700 power tools was used. This database allows detailed quantification of vibration exposure over long periods of time. A dose-response relationship between FRS-HAV exposure and UMSDs was quantified using conditional logistic regression analyses. After adjustment for relevant confounders, consistent and statistically significant exposure-response relationships were observed between cumulative vibration exposure and UMSDs. The effect of vibration exposure on the risk of UMSDs is mainly concentrated in the frequency range ≤ 50 Hz. This suggests that the current ISO frequency weighting curve for quantifying hand-arm vibration exposure is reasonable and can be well used for vibration-related risk assessment, especially for musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods to Establish Reference Models for Ecological Restoration—Case Study from Colorado National Monument, USA
Authors: Comer Patrick J. , Eckert Gregory E. , Gann George D.
Published: December 2024

Restoration practitioners specify targets for what the ecosystem will look like to reach recovery goals. Targets may be influenced by the level of degradation, surrounding landscape conditions, societal choice, and a changing and uncertain climate regime. The Society for Ecological Restoration’s International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration recommends that targets be informed by reference models of site conditions that include biotic composition, environmental setting, and dynamic processes—had anthropogenic degradation not occurred—while accounting for anticipated change. Models optimally reflect a variety of information sources and are based where possible on multiple reference sites of similar native ecological conditions. Using a project site from Colorado National Monument, we illustrate a stepwise process for compiling and synthesizing map, text, and tabular information from reference materials and sites. Reference materials include multiple ecosystem classifications and site inventories to describe composition, structure, and dynamics of the target ecosystems. An ecological integrity framework aids in identifying key ecological attributes and indicators for site measurement. Climate change vulnerability assessment specifies risks to anticipate, while adaptation frameworks point to appropriate strategies. By systematically utilizing existing frameworks and available data, practitioners can streamline the establishment of reference models for ecological restoration.
COMBINATION OF GIVING BABY MASSAGE WITH CITRONELLA OIL FOR APPETITE DISORDERS IN TODDLERS AGED 12-24 MONTHS
Authors: Sumariati Putu Ayu Eka , Widiastini Luh Putu , Lestari Ni Putu Yunita Sri , Adhiestiani Ni Made Egar
Published: December 2024

Background: Appetite disorder was noted as one of the nutritional issue causation in toddlers. Pharmacological or non-pharmacological methods have been developed to overcome this problem. As non-pharmacological method, researchers attempted to solve the problem by using a combination of baby massage and citronella oil.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of the combination of giving baby massage and citronella oil on appetite disorders in toddlers aged 12-24 months in the area of UPTD. Puskesmas Abiansemal I.

Method: The current study performed by using Quasi-Experimental with Pre-test Post-test Non-equivalent Control Group Design. Approximately 44 toddlers were involved in this study using a purposive sampling method divided into 22 toddlers in each control and experiment group. The CEBQ (Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire) was used to collect the data containing of 35 questions. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used in data analysis.

Result: This research proved that baby massage with citronella oil affect the appetite disorders significantly in toddler aged 12-24 months. Mann-Whitney test reveals that the average score in treatment group was higher than control group with p-value of 0.002 (p<0,05).

Conclusion: It is expected that the findings may provide education about the importance of giving baby massages with a combination of citronella oil in toddlers to increase a toddler’s appetite due to the need optimal nutrition.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN TODDLERS AT UNS HOSPITAL
Authors: Albashiry Muhammad Iqbal , Sari Maria Galuh Kamenyangan , Munawaroh Siti , Landiasari Debby Andina
Published: December 2024

Background: Anemia occurs in 1 in 3 toddlers in Indonesia. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most common causes of anemia in toddlers. Iron deficiency affects the synthesis of DNA, neurotransmitters, and mitochondrial cytochrome. Lacking nutrition can cause health problems in toddlers. This is characterized by the nutritional status of toddlers classified as short or underweight. This study aims to determine the correlation between IDA and nutritional status in toddlers.

Method: This research is an analytical observational study with a cross sectional approach. The population for this study were toddlers who had been treated at UNS Hospital from 2021 to 2023. The samples in this study were taken using purposive sampling, totaling 115 toddlers. The independent variable is IDA and the dependent variable is the toddler's nutritional status. Data analysis used the Spearman test with SPSS version 25.

Result: This study showed 75 IDA toddlers and 40 others had normal hemoglobin. The toddlers were tested with 2 z-score indicators. The highest number of test results with the Weight/Length indicator was -2SD to 2SD (good nutrition) with a total of 87 toddlers and the Length/Age indicator was -2SD to 2SD (normal) with a total of 67 toddlers. It was analyzed using the Spearman test and a significant value of 0.235 for the Weight/Length indicator and 0.140 for the Length/Age indicator. Both indicators show results of more than 0.05 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between iron deficiency anemia and nutritional status in toddlers at UNS Hospital.
HEALTH INSURANCE OWNERSHIP TO INCREASE THE UTILIZATION OF PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICES IN RURAL HIGHLANDS
Authors: Adnan Yudi , Basri Syahrul , Amansyah Munawir , Arranury Zilfadillah
Published: December 2024

Background: Access to adequate health services remains a global challenge, especially in rural and remote areas. Health insurance ownership has emerged as a solution to increase the utilization of health services.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the role of health insurance ownership in increasing the utilization of primary health services in rural highland areas in Indonesia.

Methods: This research used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional survey method. The study population consisted of 728 adult individuals who were heads of households living in Kanreapia Village, Tinggi Moncong District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews with a structured questionnaire, including demographic variables, health insurance ownership status, and utilization of health services. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.

Results: The results showed a significant relationship between demographic variables, health insurance ownership, and the utilization of health services. Individuals with health insurance were 6.764 times more likely to utilize health services compared to those without insurance (p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study strengthens the evidence that health insurance ownership significantly increases an individual's likelihood of utilizing health services, especially in relatively isolated rural areas.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL CHARACTERISTICS AND INTRAOPERATIVE HYPOTENSION DURING CESAREAN SECTION USING SPINAL ANESTHESIA
Authors: Santoso Tri Budi , Widodo Widodo , Istiqomah Nurul , Purwaningsih Heni
Published: December 2024

Background: The incidence of hypotension as a complication of spinal anesthesia in mothers who gave birth by cesarean section can occur due to various factors such as height, age, weight. The incidence rate in Indonesia in 2017 was 983 cases. In the preliminary study, there were 352 deliveries, of which 108 were delivered by cesarean section using spinal anesthesia techniques. [AF1] 

Objective: to determine the relationship between maternal characteristics and the incidence of intraoperative hypotension for sectio caesarea using spinal anesthesia at Hospital "A".

Research Methods: this study used cross-sectional. The research population of sectio caesarea patients with spinal technique was collected with a total sampling of 46 respondents. The research instrument used medical records. Analysis of the data used in the form of chi-square test at a significance of 5%.

Results: The results of the bivariate test showed that there was no relationship between early adulthood (20-29 years) (OR= 0.38; (95% CI= 0.10 to 1.44; p= 0.259); multipara parity (OR= 0.44; (95% CI) = 0.11 to 1.67; p = 0.365) and obesity BMI (OR = 1.59; (95% CI = 0.48 to 5.35; p = 0.650) on the incidence of hypotension in caesarean section

Conclusion: There is no relationship between early adulthood (20-29 years), parity and obesity BMI are risk factors for hypotension in cesarean section.

 
Ethnocentrism and Purchase Intention of Foreign and Domestic Products: A Systematic Review to a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Kartikasari Dwi , Almunawar Mohammad Nabil , Anshari Muhammad , Sumardi Wardah Haki Haji
Published: December 2024

Globalization prompts manufacturers of both international and local products to devise marketing strategies to stimulate the purchase intentions. This research aims to review the underlying theories applied to explain ethnocentrism and purchase intention of foreign and domestic products, as well as the independent and mediating variables, the relationship direction (sign) of major variables to the dependent variables, and the conceptual framework development based on this systematic review. We source the Scopus database and conclude with 31 articles under consideration. We apply a qualitative approach and find that the major theories include the social identity theory and the theory of planned behavior. The central independent variables are consumer ethnocentrism (CET), attitude (ATT), perceived behavior control (PBC), and subjective norms (SUB). The main mediating variable is ATT. We also discover support for relationships between CET, ATT, PBC, SUB, and purchase intentions of domestic or foreign products. We propose a conceptual framework consisting of the major variables. The study implies that CET is more important than ATT to drive the purchase intention of domestic products but not that of foreign products. The study is limited in the context of the countries, product types, and constructs that future research should address.
Corporate Social Responsibility of Islamic Bank: Enhancing Customer Trust, Corporate Reputation, and Customer Loyalty
Authors: Putri Nabiilah Aatika , Hasib Fatin Fadhilah
Published: December 2024

Islamic banking faces challenges competing with conventional banking, particularly regarding market share. To address this challenge, Islamic banks must strengthen customer relationships for long-term sustainability. This research aims to examine whether customer trust and reputation mediate the effect of CSR on customer loyalty in Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI). The study employed a quantitative approach with the SEM-PLS analysis technique. The sampling method was simple random sampling, with 170 respondents participating in an online questionnaire. The findings of this study suggest that CSR does not have a direct impact on Customer Loyalty. However, mediation through Customer Trust and Corporate Reputation is crucial. The results reveal that customers’ decisions to be loyal to Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) are not directly influenced by the observable CSR activities; instead, customer trust and corporate reputation play vital roles in mediating the effects of CSR on customer loyalty. This study implies that Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) needs to emphasize the significance of customer trust by enhancing service quality. Furthermore, building a positive reputation for the customers by disseminating adequate information regarding Sharia financial products is equally imperative.
Reconstructing the Character of Mudharabah Syariah in the Formation of Limited Liability Companies In Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Malaysia
Authors: Martoyo Martoyo , Safira Martha Eri , Sa’adah Sri Lumatus , Bin Haji Matali Azme , Khasanah Uswatul
Published: December 2024

The background of this research is that the forms of business entities in Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Malaysia still don’t accommodate a company system based on the provisions of Islamic law, but still rely on agreements underlying the parties in business activities that revolve around a particular product. The integration of Sharia principles in the contract to establish a business entity shows superior values that can be used as guidelines for company management based on Sharia principles in Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and Malaysia. This research aims to find the characteristics of Syirkah Mudharabah contracts which can be used as a form of developing cooperation in agreements to establish limited liability companies. This paper uses normative research methods with a statutory and conceptual approach. The results of this research show that the characteristics of the Syirkah Mudharabah contract in establishing a limited liability company include 4 (four) things, namely the legal subject or position of the parties in establishing the limited liability company, business capital managed, distribution of profits and losses from collaboration results, and responsibility limited capital owners. This research contributes new findings related to the contracts used in establishing limited liability companies to make them more effective and in line with current Sharia business conditions.
A pattern of continuity from health to disease in neuropsychiatric genetic risk affecting brain morphology
Authors: CHOU CHUN-JU , Re Elisabetta Del , Wang Hao , Hamada Kareem , Tian Xiaoguang , Wang Yunpeng , Fiecas Mark , Chen Chi-Hua
Published: December 2024

Analyzing brain morphological changes across individuals with varying genetic risk scores may inform the continuum of brain changes from health to disease. This study compares brain changes between individuals with clinical diagnoses and those with genetic risk alone. UK Biobank MRI and genotypes (N = 34,720) were used to derive brain measures and polygenic risk scores, creating genetic risk brain maps for 14 neuropsychiatric disorders. Eight disorders from ENIGMA were used to construct disease brain maps. Brain maps of genetic risk and clinical diagnosis show overall alignment for ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. Other conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, show specific brain regions linked to genetic risk aligning with established patient patterns. Incomplete data for some conditions limit analyses. ADHD and PTSD polygenic burden was associated with smaller global brain sizes, while Parkinson’s disease was linked to larger brain volume. Mendelian randomization analyses revealed unidirectional relationships where the brain influences ADHD and Parkinson’s disease, while a bidirectional causal association was observed for schizophrenia. Focusing on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, we found that individuals with high genetic risk combined with smaller brain structures were more likely to have these diagnoses. Lastly, we found no significant sex differences in all genetic risk and brain associations, except for a possible link in bipolar disorder. Overall, the study demonstrates marked similarities in brain changes between clinical diagnoses and genetic risk for several disorders, albeit with mild effect sizes in the latter. These findings underscore the importance of genetic risk in influencing brain anatomy and the progression of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Perceived stress is associated with primary dysmenorrhea in Brazilian women: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Moraes Pâmela Calixto , Avila Mariana Arias , Firão Caren Beatriz , Sousa Vanessa Patrícia Soares , Driusso Patricia
Published: December 2024

Objective
to evaluate the association between perceived stress and Primary Dysmenorrhea (PD) in Brazilian women.
Methods
We used data from 2,505 participants, a prospective cohort of Brazilian women. The eligibility was restricted to women who had their last three periods and were over 18 years, the exclusion criteria was 1) women with secondary dysmenorrhea and that did not have a period. We measured stress with the Perceived Stress Scale; the interference of PD with the Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference, and the PD with the Numerical Rating Score. This study used the chi-square test (χ²) to assess associations between perceived stress and binary logistic regression, considering odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). All statistical tests were two-tailed, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.
Results
The average perceived stress score was 25.1 ± 6.6, and the average menstrual pain in the last period was 5.1 ± 2.8. Women with PD are 2.8 (95% CI 1.9 to 4.1) times more likely to have perceived stress and in women with moderate to severe interference of PD, there was 4.8 (95% CI 2.72 to 8.60) increase in the chance to report perceived stress.
Conclusions
Women with PD have higher rates of moderate to high stress. The higher the intensity of menstrual pain, the greater the number of Brazilian women who report mild to high stress.
Safety Issues Associated with the Production of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Larvae in Africa.
Authors: Mufungwe Joyce , Namukonde Ngawo , Johnson Todd , Siamujompa Mazuba , Mwango Nelly Chunda , Ngoma Justine , Mwaanga Phenny , Hang’ombe Bernard Mudenda
Published: December 2024

The emergence of climate change has rendered conventional feed sources unsustainable due in part to the rising cost of feed sources, food-feed competition and increasing ecological footprint. This is particularly the case in Africa, where most crops for feed production rely on rain-fed agriculture. Globally, agricultural production is expected to decline by 5–30% by 2050 because of climate change, and a significantly higher decline is expected in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, insect-based feed is becoming increasingly popular as alternative protein sources, however, its safety due to microbiological, chemical and physical contaminants remains a serious potential health issue requiring urgent attention. In this review, we examined relevant literature from Africa on insect-based feed and food, focusing on the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, larvae (BSFL). The major focus was on the safety of BSFL through the whole value chain, from rearing substrate to processing methods and handling of the final product of feed and food. Specifically, microbiological, allergenic and chemical aspects including the potential evolution and transmission of antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARBs) and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) were examined. Our findings revealed that there is inadequate research on the insect-food sector despite the wide practice of entomophagy in Africa. The results also indicated the existence of a wide variety of uncharacterised substrates from diverse sources used for rearing BSFL and that processing and handling methods practised to ensure the safety of BSFL are inadequate. The major concern was on the non-characterisation of substrates for microbiological and chemical hazards, which may facilitate the proliferation and transmission of ARBs and ARGs.
Finding your strong points: Exploring the Design and Resilience of Barbed Composite Weapons
Authors: Tydgadt Lola , Rots Veerle
Published: December 2024

Laterally hafted projectiles are a subject of significant interest in the field of archaeology and are identified on every continent and throughout time. While composite finds incorporating organic shafts and points with stone barbs have been discovered in Europe as early as the Gravettian, researchers argue that their existence could be traced back to the Early Upper Paleolithic in Europe, with Protoaurignacian bladelets. However, the identification of lateral stone elements still faces significant methodological challenges and a robust interpretative framework is still lacking. Experiments involving lateral projectiles have been rare, and the research objectives, protocols, and results have varied significantly, making it difficult to achieve a consensus on how to identify lateral insets when found without their organic counterparts. Moreover, the fragility of lateral hafting systems presents another challenge because when insets detach upon impact, little characteristic wear forms and diagnostic criteria cannot be proposed. In this paper, we aim to contribute to an improved understanding and identification of lateral hafting systems by studying their resilience and damage formation in experiments. We test different adhesive options and examine the relevance of a groove. We document impact-related use-wear and evaluate its diagnostic value for identifying laterally hafted armatures. We argue that a robust framework is a first and crucial step to improve the archaeological identification and interpretation of laterally hafted armatures and the understanding of the evolution of hunting weaponry.
Remaining useful life prediction of lithium-ion batteries using a novel particle flow filter framework with grey model
Authors: Shuai Wang , Yiting Li , Shoubin Zhou , Lifei Chen , Pecht Michael
Published: December 2024

Remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is a crucial aspect of the prognostics health management of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Owing to the influence of resampling technology, particle degradation is often observed in the particle filter-based RUL prediction of LIBs, resulting in a low prediction accuracy and large uncertainty. In this paper, a novel particle flow filter with the grey model method (GM-PFF) is proposed to forecast the RUL and state of health of batteries. First, the least squares method is employed to obtain the initial values for double exponential empirical model parameters. Subsequently, the grey model is used to predict the current cycle capacity of LIBs as an observation value for the particle flow filter, solving the inaccurate estimation problem of the state of particle flow filter observation values, and the particle flow filter method is employed to update model parameters. Finally, a test dataset is divided into early, middle, and late stages to predict the RUL of LIBs and obtain the probability distributions. On the CALCE LIB dataset, GM-PFF reduces RMSE by 1% compared to PFF, exhibiting a higher prediction accuracy and effectively addressing the particle degradation problem.
Analyzing sub-millisecond timescale protein dynamics using relaxation dispersion NMR experiments
Authors: Phale Apurva , Tewari Aishani , Tendulkar Gayatri , Das Ranabir , Sriniva Sivakumar , Chakrabarti Kalyan S
Published: December 2024

Cellular functions require biomolecules to transition among various conformational sub-states in the energy landscape. The mechanistic understanding of function requires quantitative knowledge of the kinetics, thermodynamics, and structural features of the biomolecule experiencing exchange between several states. High-power relaxation dispersion (RD) NMR experiments have proven to be very effective for such measurements if the exchange occurs in timescales ranging from microseconds to milliseconds. Therefore, the high-power Relaxation Dispersion NMR experiments can be used to understand the biomolecular function at the mechanistic level by fitting the data to appropriate theoretical models. However, the reliability of the fit parameters is a function of the fitting model and is sensitive to experimental noise. Here, we have benchmarked different theoretical models for sub-millisecond timescale exchange and determined the robustness of these models to provide information when the measured values contain noise. Our results show that kinetics can be measured very reliably from such experiments. The structural features of the exchanging sub-states, encoded in the chemical shift differences between the states, can be fitted, albeit with significant uncertainties. Information about the minor states is difficult to obtain exclusively from the RD data due to large uncertainties and sensitivity to noise. We expect our results to help design RD experiments and to plan additional experiments where needed.
Mental Health Literacy Among Primary Care Providers in Hungary
Authors: Swisher Valerie S. , Őri Dorottya , Rihmer Zoltán , Wernigg Róbert
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study examined mental health literacy and predictors of disorder recognition among primary care providers (PCPs) in Hungary.
Methods: 208 PCPs in Hungary completed a survey assessing demographics, mental health stigma, and exposure to mental health. Participants read six vignettes describing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) harm/aggression subtype (OCD-Aggression), OCD order/symmetry subtype (OCD-Order), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) and were asked to identify each condition and provide treatment referrals. Descriptive analyses were used to characterize disorder recognition rates, perceived disorder causes, and treatment referrals. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the degree to which demographic characteristics, mental health stigma, and exposure to mental health predict accurate disorder recognition.
Results: Identification rates for each vignette were: OCD-Aggression (27.9%), OCD-Order (75.5%), SAD (34.1%), GAD (76.0%), PD (78.8%), and MDD (91.3%). First-choice treatment referrals were a psychiatrist for OCD-Aggression (63%), OCD-Order (53.8%), and MDD (46.6%), a psychologist/therapist for SAD (58.7%) and GAD (48.6%), and a PCP for PD (39.9%). Mislabeling conditions was significantly associated with older age (for GAD, OCD-Aggression, PD and MDD), male gender (for GAD), greater mental health stigma (for OCD-Order), and not having a family member/friend with a mental health condition (for SAD).
Conclusions: Findings highlight strengths (e.g., depression recognition) and limitations in knowledge of mental health conditions among PCPs in Hungary and targets to address to improve mental health literacy.
EDTA-modified bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials: hydrogen production from photocatalysts that water splitting.
Authors: Cholula-Gómez Deysi , Carrero-Crespo J. Edgar , Quezada Víctor M. Suárez , DIAZ SANDRA CIPAGAUTA , Tzompantzi-Morales Francisco J.
Published: December 2024

This article provides an effective synthesis route to enhance the photocatalytic properties of bismuth oxihalides (BiOX, X = Cl, Br, I) for hydrogen production via photocatalysis. The coprecipitation method was employed, with the addition of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a complexing agent. It was found that the presence of EDTA during synthesis led to a significant improvement in the physicochemical properties of the materials, such as their surface area and porosity. Additionally, changes in the crystalline structure and optical response of the materials were observed. The results of structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical characterization revealed that the BiOI-E photocatalyst, synthesized with EDTA, exhibited the best photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production under visible light irradiation. It was demonstrated that this material presents higher efficiency in charge carrier separation and lower electron transport resistance, resulting in increased hydrogen generation.
Methanogenic Archaea Disruption: Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Sewage Sludge Affected by Indole- and Its Analogs-interlinked Microbial Interactions
Authors: Zolkefli Nurhasliza , Shui Xiao , Ma Kedong , Mustapha Nurul Asyifah , Maeda Toshinari
Published: December 2024

As an interspecies signalling molecule, indole that is also regulating the microbial community quorum sensing (QS) can be an indispensable factor to influence the performance of an anaerobic digestion process. Mainly released by Gram-negative bacteria, the impact of indole regulation towards methane production in such system is hardly exposed. This research intends to analyse the methane production affected by the microbial community fluctuations in the waste sewage sludge (WSS) in response to QS repression by indole and its analogs: 4-fluoroindole (4-FI), 5-fluoroindole (5-FI), 6-fluoroindole (6-FI), 3- indoleacetic acid (3-IAA), and 3- indoleacrylic acid (3-IARA). Illumina MiSeq platform was utilized to delve into the active microbes, with ribonucleic acid (RNA) used as the template to generate the 16S metagenomic library. As results, all of them inhibit methane generation even with substrates (acetic acid) availability, and this phenomenon can be led by the slight imbalance of Gram-positive/negative bacterial composition and the inactivation of the viable core fermenters: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi. Plus, the following compounds, indole, 3-IAA, and 6-FI directly disrupted methane productions by both acetoclastic and hydrogenotropic methanogenic archaea. Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A as a prominent methane synthesizer was also characterised in terms of its viability and methane synthesis activity against them. Notably, Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A was non-viable in the presence of indole and 6-FI thus lowering methane production. From here, the affirmation on the direct and indirect inhibitions of methanogenic archaea by indole and its derivatives will pave the way for a valuable future exploration of QS mechanism mapping in archaea during methanogenesis.
Direct electrodeposition of NiFe-based high-entropy compound on nickel foam for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Yibin , Yang Jitao , Huang Xinghua , Chen Wang , Zhang Yuhao , Zhang Xiaowen , Dong Lijuan , Duan Zhihao , Wu Mingzhu , Li Ying
Published: December 2024

Electrochemical water splitting represents a highly promising avenue for sustainable energy conversion and storage, paving the way for a future hydrogen-based society. This approach necessitates the development of durable and cost-effective electrocatalysts for the OER. In this study, we report the as-synthesized NiFe-based high-entropy compound grown on nickel foam via direct electrochemical deposition. Remarkably, electrodeposition onto 1×1 cm2 nickel foam was optimized by strategically varying critical parameters. Subsequently, the fabricated electrodes underwent evaluation for comprehensive water splitting within the identical flow cell under alkaline conditions. The best-performing sample, NiFe-2:1, required relatively low overpotentials of 232 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm-2 for the OER. The NiFe-2:1 hydroxides exhibit high entropy, which optimizes the flat-band potential (Efb) and carrier concentration (NA) in high-entropy NiFe-based electrocatalysts. This enhancement facilitates sensitive electron transfer, thereby reducing the kinetic barrier for the OER. Furthermore, this review thoroughly discusses potential degradation mechanisms of active sites and outlines corresponding mitigation strategies. It also offers insights into the discrepancies between research and the design of non-precious metal-based catalysts for the OER, as well as their implementation in practical devices.
Enhanced Recovery of Tantalum and Niobium from Fine-Grained Low-Grade Abu Dabbab Tantalite Ore via Falcon Concentration and Magnetic Separation
Authors: Hassan El-Sayed , Chen Yun , Abdel-Khalek Nagui , El-Bendari Abdalla
Published: December 2024

Tantalum and niobium possess unique properties that make them invaluable across various industries. However, their similar chemical characteristics and natural co-occurrence challenge their separation. This study investigates the recovery of tantalum and niobium from low-grade Abu Dabbab tantalite ore using gravity and magnetic separation techniques. Tantalite ore consists mainly of silicate minerals, with traces of tantalumand niobium oxides. The beneficiation process,of the size fraction − 75 micron,began with gravity separation using Falcon concentrator, which achieved an optimal tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) grade of 2.0% and recovery of 85.70%. Optimization of process parameters was carried out using the Box-Behnken design. Magnetic separation with a Box-Mag Rapid LHW magnetic separator was applied to further enrich the tantalum concentrate, achieving a Ta2O5 grade of 6.22% and a recovery rate of 94.73%. This process also yielded significant enrichment of niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and cassiterite (SnO2), with enrichment ratios of 250-fold for both Ta2O5 and Nb2O5and 195-fold for SnO2. Additionally, the beneficiation process recovered valuable albite and mica fractions. The characterization of the final tantalum concentrate revealed high Ta₂O₅, Nb₂O₅, and SnO₂ content, confirming that combined Falcon and magnetic separation effectively enhances recovery and enrichment of tantalum and niobium from complex ores.
Dental Healthcare for Ukrainian War Refugee Children: a pilot study.
Authors: Cianetti Stefano , Viarchi Arianna , Lombardo Guido , Truppa Claudia Theodora , Shubets Iryna , Cialfi Debora , Mattei Antonella , Severino Marco
Published: December 2024

Background
After the second year of war, the Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in a widespread human and economic tragedy. This crisis also affects health status, including oral health.
Objective
To evaluate the prevalence and severity of caries in Ukrainian war refugee children using the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT/dmft) index addition to relate findings of caries to age, gender, self-reported socioecomic status and Italian language speaking skills in order to determine whether there was a statically significant relationship.
Methods
This pilot study (cross-sectional designed) was conducted in Perugia, Italy at the University Dental Clinic (COU) between November 2023 and April 2024 and included 50 children with Ukrainian citizenship who had left their home country due to the war. The visits were conducted in the presence of a cultural mediator. The visits were divided into two parts: the administration of questionnaires regarding socio-economic status and communication skills and a dental examination. The statistical analysis correlated the DMFT/dmft parameter with communication level, income, age, and the Periodontal Screening and Recording index (PSR), stratifying the sample into two groups and using χ2, Fisher, and Wilcoxon tests to evaluate differences. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The visits revealed that only 8 children were free from caries, and the severity of caries, expressed by the universal DMFT/dmft value, was 3.47. There was a significant difference between two considered caries groups (DMFT/dmft > 4 vs DMFT/dmft ≤ 4) in terms of PSR (p = 0.026) and communication level (p = 0.033).
Conclusions
The data obtained at the end of the study were worrying in terms of prevalence and severity of caries. This pilot study represented a starting point that can be useful as a basis for reflection on how to continue to improve healthcare polices, enabling us to better assist refugees.
Minimum Required Distance for Clinically Significant Measurement of Habitual Gait Speed
Authors: Park Myung Woo , Chung Sun Gun , Beom Jaewon , Kim Kyung Su , Kim Joonghee , Park Chul-Hyun , Lee Jinkyu , Kim Keewon
Published: December 2024

Background: Gait speed indicates morbidity and life expectancy in older adults, but the minimum walking distance for measurement remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the minimum distance required to measure clinically reliable gait speed using a smartphone camera and pose estimation, and whether the distance is influenced by subject characteristics or measurement methods.
Methods: Twenty-four healthy volunteers (> 65 years old) performed a video-recorded 10-m gait test, excluding acceleration and deceleration. Fourteen body points were derived using a pose-estimation algorithm. Speed was calculated based on the center of mass or a leading foot which simulates a condition with a walkway sensor and validated against manual measurements. Multiple videos of gait over varying distances were obtained by cropping video frames at 0.1-meter intervals. Variance in gait speed over specific distances was calculated using ANOVA. “Minimum required distance” was defined as the shortest distance where the confidence interval of gait speed did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference (0.1 m/sec). We also investigated which clinical, anthropometric, or epidemiological variables might influence it by assessing their association with gait speed variance using mean squared error from linear regression.
Results: Gait speed measured by pose estimation (1.55 ± 0.18 m/s) highly corresponded with manual measurement (1.56 ± 0.14 m/s) (r = 0.866, p < 0.001). “Minimum required distance” was 2.1 meter when gait speed was calculated with the center of mass with 95% confidence interval while “minimun required distance” based on a leading foot was 4.7 meter with 90% confidence interval. Gait speed itself and muscle strength was positively correlated with gait speed variance (r = 0.250, p = 0.036 for gait speed; r = 0.312, p = 0.008 for knee extensor strength; r = 0.230, p = 0.053 for grip strength) while other epidemiologic or clinical parameters including age and physical performance scales did not.
Conclusions: Clinically reliable measurement of gait speed could be achieved over 2.1 meter using a smartphone and pose estimation inducing the center of mass with 95% confidence level. The weaker the muscle strength or the slower the gait speed, the shorter the distance might be required.
Dietary L-leucine supplementation improves ruminal fermentation parameters and epithelium development in fattening Angus beef cattle
Authors: An Jishan , Ge Yu , He Huitian , Ge Hao , Li Jing , Li Zhiqing , Liu Lei , Wang Zuo , Lan Xinyi , Shen Weijun , Cheng Anwei , Wan Fachun
Published: December 2024

Background Leucine can play a crucial role in regulating rumen fermentation, rumen bacterial composition, and nutrient degradation, however, most of these findings are derived from in vitro rumen fermentation results. In this study, the effects of L-leucine (Leu) on rumen fermentation parameters, rumen epithelium development, amino acid metabolism, rumen bacterial communities and metabolites in beef cattle were investigated. Twenty-four Angus cows of similar initial weight (575.5 ± 22.1 kg) were randomly assigned to 2 treatments with 6 replicate pens (2 cattle per pen). They were fed a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 6.0 g/100 kg BW per day of L-Leu for 120 days.
Results (1) Leu increased the ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (VFA) (P = 0.017), propionate (P = 0.023), iso-valerate (P = 0.001), branched-chain volatile fatty acid (BCVFA) (P = 0.01) at 4 h post-feeding, and tended to increase acetate (P = 0.083) and decrease the ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration (P = 0.055), but it did not affect ruminal pH (P > 0.1). Leu also increased microbial crude protein (MCP) (P = 0.026) at 4 h post-feeding, but decreased MCP at 8 h post-feeding (P < 0.05). (2) Supplementation with L-Leu increased the ruminal concentrations of phenylalanine (P = 0.011), lysine (P = 0.034), and tyrosine (P = 0.033), and decreased the cystine concentrations (P = 0.010). (3) Leu increased the thickness of stratum spinosum and basal (P < 0.05), while decreased the thickness of stratum granulosum. (4) Leu up-regulated the relative mRNA expression of genes involved in tight junction proteins (P < 0.05) and VFA absorption and metabolism (P < 0.01) in the rumen epithelium, and this upregulation was positively correlated with ruminal isovalerate and BCVFA concentrations (P < 0.01). (5) L-Leu did not affect the diversity and richness of ruminal microbes (P > 0.05), but differential bacterial biomarkers (LEfSe, LDA>2) were positively or negatively correlated with ruminal MCP, NH3-N, and BCVFA concentrations (P < 0.001), and differential bacterial metabolites (OPLS-DA, VIP>1.5) were primarily enriched in the amino acid metabolism pathway (P < 0.05).
Conclusions Dietary supplementation with L-Leu improved rumen fermentation parameters and patterns, promoted epithelial development, and enhanced rumen epithelium VFA absorption and metabolism in beef cattle.
Emergency department use during pregnancy by Medicaid type
Authors: Hersh Alyssa , Acevedo Ann Martinez , Mandelbaum Ava , Choo Esther , Rodriguez Maria
Published: December 2024

Background: Emergency department (ED) use is common among patients with Medicaid insurance during pregnancy. However, it is unknown how ED utilization differs among those with different types of Medicaid such as Emergency Medicaid, with which access to outpatient care is more restricted.
Objective: We sought to compare differences in ED use during between pregnant persons with Emergency Medicaid and Traditional Medicaid and pregnancy outcomes by ED utilization.
Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of all births among Medicaid recipients in South Carolina from 2010 to 2019. The main comparator was type of Medicaid. Our primary outcome was an ED visit during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included average number of visits, perinatal outcomes, and prenatal and hospital charges.
Results: There were 240,597 births that met inclusion criteria for this analysis. Over the study period, the proportion of patients with at least one ED visit increased for all groups. A higher proportion of patients with Traditional Medicaid had at least one ED visit compared with Emergency Medicaid (58.2% versus 22.7%). Patients who had at least one ED visit were more likely to be younger, of Black race, live rurally, nulliparous, have lower or higher body mass index, and have a higher prevalence of pre-existing medical co-morbidities.
Conclusion: We found that individuals with Traditional Medicaid were more likely to have an antenatal ED visit than individuals with Emergency Medicaid.