bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term cardiovascular disease outcomes in non-hospitalized medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with COVID-19: Population-based matched cohort study
Authors: Yang Quanhe , Chang Anping , Tong Xin , Jackson Sandra L. , Merritt Robert K.
Published: May 2024

Background

SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can affect multiple human organs structurally and functionally, including the cardiovascular system and brain. Many studies focused on the acute effects of COVID-19 on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke especially among hospitalized patients with limited follow-up time. This study examined long-term mortality, hospitalization, CVD and stroke outcomes after non-hospitalized COVID-19 among Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries in the United States.

Methods

This retrospective matched cohort study included 944,371 FFS beneficiaries aged ≥66 years diagnosed with non-hospitalized COVID-19 from April 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021, and followed-up to May 31, 2022, and 944,371 propensity score matched FFS beneficiaries without COVID-19. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and incidence of 15 CVD and stroke. Because most outcomes violated the proportional hazards assumption, we used restricted cubic splines to model non-proportional hazards in Cox models and presented time-varying hazard ratios (HRs) and Bonferroni corrected 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The mean age was 75.3 years; 58.0% women and 82.6% non-Hispanic White. The median follow-up was 18.5 months (interquartile range 16.5 to 20.5). COVID-19 showed initial stronger effects on all-cause mortality, hospitalization and 12 incident CVD outcomes with adjusted HRs in 0–3 months ranging from 1.05 (95% CI 1.01–1.09) for mortality to 2.55 (2.26–2.87) for pulmonary embolism. The effects of COVID-19 on outcomes reduced significantly after 3-month follow-up. Risk of mortality, acute myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism returned to baseline after 6-month follow-up. Patterns of initial stronger effects of COVID-19 were largely consistent across age groups, sex, and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

Our results showed a consistent time-varying effects of COVID-19 on mortality, hospitalization, and incident CVD among non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.
IgG subclass levels in referred hemochromatosis probands with HFE p.C282Y/p.C282Y
Authors: Barton James C. , Barton J. Clayborn , Bertoli Luigi F. , Acton Ronald T.
Published: May 2024

Background

IgG subclass levels in hemochromatosis are incompletely characterized.

Methods

We characterized IgG subclass levels of referred hemochromatosis probands with HFE p.C282Y/p.C282Y (rs1800562) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A and -B typing/haplotyping and compared them with IgG subclass levels of eight published cohorts of adults unselected for hemochromatosis.

Results

There were 157 probands (82 men, 75 women; mean age 49±13 y). Median serum ferritin, mean body mass index (BMI), median IgG4, and median phlebotomy units to achieve iron depletion were significantly higher in men. Diabetes, cirrhosis, and HLA-A*03,-B*44, -A*03,B*07, and -A*01,B*08 prevalences and median absolute lymphocyte counts in men and women did not differ significantly. Mean IgG subclass levels [95% confidence interval] were: IgG1 5.31 g/L [3.04, 9.89]; IgG2 3.56 g/L [1.29, 5.75]; IgG3 0.61 g/L [0.17, 1.40]; and IgG4 0.26 g/L [<0.01, 1.25]. Relative IgG subclasses were 54.5%, 36.6%, 6.3%, and 2.7%, respectively. Median IgG4 was higher in men than women (0.34 g/L [0.01, 1.33] vs. 0.19 g/L [<0.01, 0.75], respectively; p = 0.0006). A correlation matrix with Bonferroni correction revealed the following positive correlations: IgG1 vs. IgG3 (p<0.01); IgG2 vs. IgG3 (p<0.05); and IgG2 vs. IgG4 (p<0.05). There was also a positive correlation of IgG4 vs. male sex (p<0.01). Mean IgG1 was lower and mean IgG2 was higher in probands than seven of eight published adult cohorts unselected for hemochromatosis diagnoses.

Conclusions

Mean IgG subclass levels of hemochromatosis probands were 5.31, 3.56, 0.61, and 0.26 g/L, respectively. Median IgG4 was higher in men than women. There were positive associations of IgG subclass levels. Mean IgG1 may be lower and mean IgG2 may be higher in hemochromatosis probands than adults unselected for hemochromatosis.
The program efficiency of environmental and social non-governmental organizations: A comparative study
Authors: Peng Sujie
Published: May 2024

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are becoming increasingly significant stakeholders in global governance and business operations. However, measuring their efficiency is a challenging task due to their mission-driven nature. While previous research has proposed financial and non-financial indicators to measure NGO efficiency, none of them has compared the differences between environmental and social NGOs. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the program efficiency of NGOs in China and compare the differences between environmental and social NGOs. 12 indicators are employed and tested using data collected from the Chinese Research Data Services (CNRDS) platform. The study employs multiple regression analysis to examine the influential factors identified in the dataset. The findings demonstrated different influential factors of program efficiency among environmental and social NGOs. The results of the analysis provide valuable insights for NGO operators, policymakers, and researchers in the field of NGOs.
Susceptibility to positive versus negative emotional contagion: First evidence on their distinction using a balanced self-report measure
Authors: Marx Anton K. G. , Frenzel Anne C. , Fiedler Daniel , Reck Corinna
Published: May 2024

Susceptibility to emotional contagion is defined as the disposition of how susceptible someone is to catch others’ emotions and it has long been studied in research on mental health, well-being, and social interaction. Given that existing self-report measures of susceptibility to emotional contagion have focused almost exclusively on negative emotions, we developed a self-report measure to assess the susceptibility to emotional contagion of both positive and negative emotions (2 scales). In two studies, we examined their factor structure, validity, and reliability using exploratory factor analysis (Study 1, N = 257), confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2, N = 247) and correlations. Our results confirmed the two-factor structure and demonstrated good internal consistencies. Regarding external validity, our scales showed diverging correlational patterns: While susceptibility to negative emotional contagion was linked to mental health problems and negative emotions, susceptibility to positive emotional contagion was linked to interpersonal functioning and prosocial tendencies. In conclusion, our scales appear to be internally/externally valid and a promising tool for future research.
Lgr6-expressing functional nail stem-like cells differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Inomata Yukino , Kawatani Nano , Yamashita Hiromi , Hattori Fumiyuki
Published: May 2024

The nail matrix containing stem cell populations produces nails and may contribute to fingertip regeneration. Nails are important tissues that maintain the functions of the hand and foot for handling objects and locomotion. Tumor chemotherapy impairs nail growth and, in many cases, loses them, although not permanently. In this report, we have achieved the successful differentiation of nail stem (NS)-like cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via digit organoids by stepwise stimulation, tracing the molecular processes involved in limb development. Comprehensive mRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the digit organoid global gene expression profile fits human finger development. The NS-like cells expressed Lgr6 mRNA and protein and produced type-I keratin, KRT17, and type-II keratin, KRT81, which are abundant in nails. Furthermore, we succeeded in producing functional Lgr6-reporter human iPSCs. The reporter iPSC-derived Lgr6-positive cells also produced KRT17 and KRT81 proteins in the percutaneously transplanted region. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of NS-like cell differentiation from human iPSCs. Our differentiation method and reporter construct enable the discovery of drugs for nail repair and possibly fingertip-regenerative therapy.
In-hospital versus after-discharge complete revascularization in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease. REVIVA-ST trial
Authors: Rumiz Eva , Valero Ernesto , Fernandez Carmen , Vilar Juan Vicente , Pellicer Mauricio , Cubillos Andres , Berenguer Alberto , Facila Lorenzo , Vaño Joan , Nuñez Julio
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Complete revascularization (CR) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD), is associated with a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, there is uncertainty about whether nonculprit-lesion revascularization should be performed, during index hospitalization or delayed, especially regarding health care resources utilization. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of in-hospital nonculprit-lesion revascularization vs. delayed (after discharge) revascularization on the length of index hospitalization.

Methods

In this single-center study, we randomly assigned patients with STEMI and MVD who underwent successful culprit-lesion PCI to a strategy of either CR during in-hospital admission or a delayed CR after discharge. The first primary endpoint was the length of hospital stay. The second endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or ischemia-driven revascularization at 12 months (MACE).

Results

From January 2018 to December 2022, we enrolled 258 patients (131 allocated to CR during in-hospital admission and 127 to an after-discharge CR). We found a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay in those assigned to after-discharge CR strategy [4 days (3–5) versus 7 days (5–9); p = 0.001]. At 12-month of follow-up, no differences were found in the occurrence of MACE, 7 (5.34%) patients in in-hospital CR and 4 (3.15%) in after-discharge CR strategy; (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 2.02; p = 0.397).

Conclusions

In STEMI patients with MVD, an after-discharge CR strategy reduces the length of index hospitalization without an increased risk of MACE after 12 months of follow-up.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04743154.
A bakteriofágok gazdaspecifitásának és az emberi bélrendszerrel való kapcsolatának vizsgálata antibiotikum-rezisztens kórokozók elleni terápiás stratégiák kifejlesztéséhez
Authors: Apjok Gábor
Published: May 2024

Az antibiotikum-rezisztens fajok rohamos elterjedése a legfenyegetőbb egészségügyi problémák egyike, mely az antibiotikumok előtti kor visszatérésével fenyegeti az emberiséget, az elhalálozások vezető okává téve a fertőző betegségeket. A bakteriális vírusok (bakteriofágok avagy fágok) terápiás alkalmazása az egyik legígéretesebb alternatíva ezen globális katasztrófa megelőzéséhez, mely módszer előtt mindazonáltal elhárítandó akadályok vannak. A fágok szűk gazdaspecifitással rendelkeznek, vagyis egy adott fág baktériumok csak egy igen szűk hányadát (jellemzően néhány egymással rokon törzset) képes eliminálni. Az eltávolítandó baktériumok továbbá képesek a fágokkal szemben rezisztenciát kifejleszteni. A fágterápiás eljárások során tehát biztosítani kell a kórokozók teljes spektrumát ártalmatlanítani képes fág-készítmény előállítását hatékony fágok izolálásával a környezetből, amely azonban idő- és munkaigényes. Mivel a fágok gazdaspecifitását azok farki régiója nagyban befolyásolja, a problémára megoldás lehet a már rendelkezésre álló, terápiás célra alkalmas fágok génsebészeti módosítása a farki régió mutagenezisén, cseréjén keresztül. Ennek előnye, hogy kevés kiindulási fág segítségével lehetővé válik kórokozók széles spektrumának lefedése. A fágterápiás eljárások meghiúsulásának gyakori okozója továbbá a fágok hatékonyságának csökkenése vagy megszűnése emberbe történő beadásukat követően. Míg a humán fágóma tagjai képesek hosszú távon perzisztálni, a terápiásan alkalmazott fágok jelentős része nem funkcióképes az emberi szervezetben. Ezen interakció sajátosságai jelenleg alig ismertek és vizsgáltak, holott kulcsfontosságúak a fágok terápiás alkalmazásához, hiszen ezek ismeretében előre jelezhető a fágkészítmények aktivitása terápiás eljárások során.
Proportion of children with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

in Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Yani Handa , Devina Clara , Miraza Andry , Ginting Fihzan , Marpaung Kartini , Dwiputri Lubis Aridamuriany , Buana Nasution Badai , Kusumawati Iswara Lia , Ichwan Muhammad , Nadia Diniyanti Lubis Inke
Published: May 2024

Background: Throughout the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is critically important to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the community to evaluate the success of the infection control policy. Despite the continually updated prevalence of COVID-19 worldwide and in Indonesia, testing is mainly focused only on symptomatic individuals.Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 in children and adults among asymptomatic population in Medan, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess prevalence of COVID-19 in different districts in Medan City, North Sumatera Province, Indonesia from 24 November 2020 to 12 January 2021. Nasopharyngeal swab specimen was collected from individuals and transported to Microbiology laboratory at Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Sumatera Utara. Detection of either E, N, and ORF1ab gene was used to confirm the presence of infection. Data on age, sex, occupation, and district of residency were analyzed.Results: A total of 2020 individuals were screened during the study period. Of those, 122 (6.0%) were positive for COVID-19. The positivity rate ranges from 0,6% to 31.7% at nine different locations of mass screening. 652 children were being tested and 9% (11) of children contributed to all confirmed cases. All of the children were asymptomatic.Conclusion: Although, children tend to be asymptomatic and less infected compare to other groups of age. Yet, their status of infection is particularly crucial since they still can be a source of COVID-19 infection to parents, caregivers, teachers, and the elderly.
Entrevista com Vicente de Souza Pinto
Authors: Pinto Vicente de Souza , Furlaneto Flávia
Published: May 2024

A entrevista dessa edição é com um dos primeiros cirurgiões-dentistas a realizar implantes dentários no Brasil, o Prof. Dr. Vicente de Souza Pinto. O Prof. Vicente graduou-se na antiga FFO de Ribeirão Preto, primeira turma USP. É especialista em Prótese Dentária pelo CROSP, em Periodontia pela UNICAMP, e em Implantodontia pela SLMandic. Realizou Mestrado (SLMandic) e Doutorado (UNESP, Campus de Araçatuba) em Implantodontia. Exerce a clínica privada há 54 anos, sendo um dos pioneiros da osseointegração e, também, da sedação consciente no Brasil. Membro da AAP durante 25 anos, recebeu a Medalha Anchieta da CMSP em 2008 e a Medalha de Honra ao Mérito em Implantodontia pelo CROSP em 2023.
Tecnologías digitales para una práctica educativa inclusiva y creativa: hacia la competencia digital docente y ciudadana
Authors: Munar Jacoba
Published: May 2024

Este volumen es una obra colectiva que recoge 20 investigaciones sobre la competencia digital (CD) y la competencia digital docente (CDD) en el contexto educativo, poniendo un énfasis particular en la educación superior y en las circunstancias creadas por la COVID-19. Estos estudios se fundamentan en los marcos europeos de CD y CDD (DigComp y DigCompEdu), además de otros recursos nacionales e internacionales para evaluar y fomentar estas habilidades en profesorado y estudiantes. El libro explora varios aspectos de la CD y la CDD, como la autoevaluación, la percepción, la formación, la inclusión, la innovación, el uso de dispositivos móviles y redes sociales, y el impacto de la pandemia. Los hallazgos revelan niveles bajos o moderados de CD y CDD, identificando áreas de mejora y brechas digitales, así como oportunidades y retos para la práctica educativa. Las investigaciones presentadas son ejemplos de la relevancia y actualidad de la investigación en Tecnología Educativa, y de cómo la CD y la CDD son estudiadas desde diferentes perspectivas. El objetivo principal es proporcionar un recurso útil e inspirador para el futuro de la práctica e investigación en este campo.
La trampa del suicidio. Aproximación psicológica, ética y teológica
Authors: Salgado Ruiz Alfonso , Pardo Manrique Román Ángel , García Martínez Francisco
Published: May 2024

Este sencillo texto nace de una reflexión compartida en mesa redonda y cursos de formación organizados por el Centro Diocesano de Escucha de Burgos. Durante varios días fue compartiéndose la idea de que la conducta suicida es un fenómeno complejo que exige una mirada funcional y existencial que permita entenderla con acierto. Entender la pluralidad de la conducta suicida desde un punto de vista psicológico es el primer paso, porque el suicidio es un comportamiento humano y como tal debe ser interpretado. Abordar con rigor la conducta suicida exige, ante todo, comprender qué factores están en el inicio y mantenimiento de la idea suicida como una posible –y hasta deseable– solución a un profundo malestar vivido como insoportable, cuáles son las trampas de razonamiento de esa idea suicida y explicar el tránsito de la idea a la acción, siempre con la intención de comprender, prevenir y abordar con eficacia un problema de salud pública de primer orden. Entonces, como cualquier otro comportamiento que abarca a la persona entera, el suicidio exige una reflexión desde la ética, liberada de diferentes pesos que han contribuido al estigma, la culpa y a una visión y juicio social tan negativas y centradas en la aparente voluntariedad del acto que resultaron tan falsas como inútiles. Mejor será aportar una interpretación que subraye que cualquier decisión personal siempre tiene un componente social y comunitario. Y hacerlo desde una óptica positiva de crecimiento donde la pregunta no sea por qué evitar el suicidio sino cómo potenciar una vida más plena. Y porque se trata de un comportamiento humano no puede tampoco obviarse la necesaria pregunta para intuir la relación de la conducta suicida con Dios. Si para el teólogo todas las experiencias humanas hablan de Dios ¿qué decir acerca del suicidio y cómo guiar su tanteo desde la revelación? Dos ideas parecen ayudar: el sinsentido que el hombre experimenta cuando su vida se quiebra no es ajena a la propia revelación cristiana de la misma manera que la presencia del desorden y la culpa acompaña igualmente la experiencia de Dios como un espacio donde ésta se da sobreabundando. No se trata, en definitiva, de debatir si el suicidio es legítimo o no, sino de asumir como central la contradicción en la vida de los hombres y situarla en un marco mayor donde quepa una esperanza creíble y eficaz.
A Comparative Analysis of Planning Policies between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Taki Herika Muhamad
Published: May 2024

COVID-19 from Wuhan, China, quickly spread to all countries worldwide with the adverse effects that accompany it. Each country's response should be to provide a policy package that is swift and beneficial for people, but not all countries have policies that are as expected. This paper aims to identify any planning policy indicators through a comparative study between the two countries. This paper is hoped can formulate planning policy directions that can be applied in other countries. This study took a case study from two countries, namely Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, because they have similarities and differences, such as in the socio-cultural, physical areas, and religious fields, especially in practicing worship in the holy month of Ramadan. This research method was descriptive qualitative by using a pairwise comparison analysis that compares sustainable development factors such as social, economic, and environmental contained in the planning policies issued by each country. The result was seen similarities and differences in the policies of the two countries, and it has implemented its planning policies well but is still awaited in the next stage, namely the stages of implementation and evaluation.
The Role of Supreme Audit Institution in Supporting Sustainable Development Goals Implementation: A study in Indonesia
Authors: Togatorop Wahyu Ida Arinta , Setyono Jawoto Sih
Published: May 2024

SDGs 2030 is a guide for countries in carrying out development to reduce poverty, protect the planet, and ensure the prosperity of all people in the world. Achieving the 17 SDGs is challenging and complex since each goal is related to other goals. SDGs implementation requires the involvement of multi-stakeholders. One of the parties that play a critical role in SDGs implementation is the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI). Under the auspices of the INTOSAI, SAIs agree to support the government's efforts to implement and achieve SDGs 2030, including the Indonesian Supreme Audit Board Republic of Indonesia (BPK). This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role of SAI in SDGs implementation and how BPK supports the Indonesian government in achieving the SDGs 2030 Agenda. The research uses qualitative method which is based on secondary data such as journals, articles, and institutional reports collected from the online library. The author chooses descriptive analysis as the data analysis method to describe the information collected in the documents and previous articles. In order to gain more data about BPK's Audit from 2016-2020, the researcher utilized the information obtained from the Semester Examination Results Summary published by BPK. Research shows that SAI has a significant contribution to SDGs implementation by conducting audits, cooperation and collaboration with other parties, and increasing the human resources in SDGs audit. The study of BPK in supporting the SDGs implementation in Indonesia shows that BPK is keep enhancing its role by doing audits related to SDGs, developing integration with other SAI’s association, and improving the auditor’s capacity in carrying out the SDGs audit in the future.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is independently associated with the bioelectrical impedance phase angle in junior sumo wrestlers: A pilot study
Authors: Khatun Suraiya , Ogawa Miori , Uchizawa Akiko , Hoshi Daisuke , Tamai Shinsuke , Momma Reiko , Kondo Emi , Watanabe Koichi , Sagayama Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

The study explores the relationship between phase angle (PhA), an indicator of cellular health, and metabolic health parameters among junior sumo wrestlers in Japan. Given the demanding lifestyle and high‐energy diets of sumo wrestlers that predispose them to metabolic syndrome post‐retirement, this study focuses on a younger cohort. The primary aim is to evaluate if PhA could serve as an early indicator of metabolic health issues within this unique demographic. A total of 14 sumo wrestlers aged 9–17 years were assessed to determine the relationship between PhA and various metabolic markers, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), using a TANITA MC‐780A‐N body composition analyzer and standard blood tests. Bivariate regression analysis and Pearson's correlation revealed a negative relationship between PhA and HbA1c even after adjusting for age and weight (ß = −0.496, r2 = 0.776, r = −0.756, p = 0.004). The results indicate a significant negative relationship between PhA and HbA1c levels, suggesting that lower PhA values, which indicate poorer cellular integrity, are associated with higher HbA1c levels, signifying impaired glycemic control. These findings underscore the potential of PhA as a valuable biomarker for monitoring metabolic health in young sumo wrestlers, with implications for early intervention and management strategies.
Holomorphic curves into projective spaces with some special hypersurfaces
Authors: Cao Hongzhe , Wang Yuting , Xu Qingyong
Published: May 2024

In this article, we establish some truncated second main theorems for holomorphic curves into projective spaces with some special hypersurfaces and give some applications. In addition, the defect relation, the algebraically degenerate conditions and uniqueness theorem for holomorphic curves with some special divisors may be improved.
Novel Totto-Chan by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi: A Study of Philosophy of Progressivism and Humanism and Relevance to the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia
Authors: Amaruddin Hidar , Dardiri Achmad , Efianingrum Ariefa , Hung Ruyu , Purwanta Edi
Published: May 2024

This research analyzes the educational philosophy of progressivism and humanism in Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s Totto-Chan Novel and its relevance to the Independent Curriculum in Indonesia. This study uses qualitative content analysis to reveal the progressive and humanistic educational philosophy in Totto-Chan and its relevance to the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia. The research involves reading the novel, extracting relevant texts, categorizing them by topics, and analyzing the relationship between these philosophies and the curriculum then the findings, detailed in a comprehensive manner, highlight indicators of progressive and humanistic educational philosophies. This research aims to identify parallels between the Merdeka Curriculum and progressivism and humanism in the Totto-Chan novel to assess the suitability and potential integration of educational philosophies. The result showed that Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s Totto-Chan novel intensely reveals the progressive and humanistic educational philosophy at Tomoe Gakuen. The school prioritizes independent learning goals, equality, justice, self-reflection, environmental connection, and shared decision-making. Principal Mr. Kobayashi educate students’ independence based on interests and talents. This aligns with the Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia, which emphasized meaningful learning design for students’ independence, equality, self-reflection, environmental connection, and democratic learning principles through the concept of Merdeka Belajar in the learning process. This implication can serve as a practical learning idea for educators, fostering harmony in educational philosophy and enhancing the implementation of the recently introduced Merdeka Curriculum in Indonesia.
Proof of some conjectures of Guo and of Tang
Authors: Gu Guoping , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: May 2024

Recently, Guo and Tang independently established some q-supercongruences from Rahman’s quadratic transformation.
In this paper, by applying the method of creative microscoping devised by Guo and Zudilin together with Rahman’s quadratic transformation again,
we provide proofs for eight conjectures on q-supercongruences proposed by Guo and by Tang.
Models and algorithms for optimizing the location of solar batteries
Authors: Yefimenko A. A. , Prisyazhniuk L. I.
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to create a method for optimizing the position of solar batteries with fixed location to increase their efficiency, namely, the generation of maximum energy during a certain time, as well as reducing the unevenness of electricity generation over time. The study allowed developing a method of optimizing the position of solar batteries to increase their efficiency, namely obtaining the maximum electrical energy generation both with a completely fixed location of solar batteries and with a seasonal change in position. The developed models and algorithms, the given examples and the results of their solution with the construction of polynomial regressions and their graphical representation, integration of polynomials to obtain the values of the generated energy give a clear idea of the application of the method of optimizing the position of solar panels to maximize the generated energy and equalize the generation characteristics over time, as well as ways to develop them further. The theoretical research made it possible to solve an important scientific and technical problem of increasing the performance of solar batteries by placing them in an optimal position relative to the Sun. The model of placement of the solar battery and the method that allows optimizing its position were further developed. The field of using the Matlab computer program for simulating the operation of solar batteries was further expanded. For the first time, the work offers a model and method of using solar cells with different positions relative to the Sun designed to increase the amount of electric energy generated and equalize the energy generation characteristic, which is expressed as a dependence of power over time. For this purpose, the authors introduce the coefficient of unevenness of the generation characteristic, which establishes the relationship between the maximum power and the capacities at other moments of time and allows objectively evaluating the unevenness of the characteristic. The practical value of the proposed solutions consists in the ability to simulate the operation of the solar battery in various conditions based on experimental studies and using the Matlab computer system.
Evolutionary analysis of indeterminate cytology and risk of malignancy in a thyroid nodule unit
Authors: Álvarez-Mancha Ana Isabel , Mancha-Doblas Isabel , Molina-Vega María , Fernández-García Diego , Gómez-Pérez Ana María , Gallego-Domínguez Elena , Ortega-Jiménez María Victoria , Hierro-Martín Isabel , Tinahones Francisco J
Published: May 2024

Graphical abstract

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution in the diagnosis and management of indeterminate thyroid nodules over three time periods.

Methods

In total, 3020 patients with thyroid nodules underwent cytological evaluation during three periods (2006–2008, 2012–2014, 2017–2019). The distribution of diagnostic cytology, risk of malignancy, diagnostic performance indices of fine needle aspiration (FNA), and cytologic–histologic correlation in indeterminate cytology were analyzed.

Results

Only 2.2% of cytology tests were insufficient for a diagnosis. About 86.9% cytology was benign, 1.7% malignant, and 11.4% indeterminate. Indeterminate cytology rates were 15.9% (2006–2008), 10.1% (2012–2014), and 10% (2017–2019). Surgery was performed in 13% of benign cytology, resulting in malignant histology in 2.7%. All malignant and suspicious cytology underwent surgery, with malignancy confirmed in 98% and 77% of cases, respectively.

All ‘indeterminate with atypia’ cytology (2006–2008) and Bethesda IV (2012–2014; 2017–2019) underwent surgery, with malignancy confirmed in 19.6%, 43.8%, and 25.7%, respectively. In the ‘indeterminate without atypia’ category (2006–2008) and Bethesda III (2012–2014; 2017–2019), diagnostic surgery was performed in 57.7%, 78.6%, and 59.4%, respectively, with malignancy confirmed in 3.3%, 20.5%, and 31.6%. The FNA sensitivity was 91.6%, with a negative predictive value greater than 96% in all periods. The specificity exceeded 75% in the last two periods.

Conclusion

The Bethesda system reduces indeterminate cytology and improves the accuracy of FNA diagnosis. We reported a higher proportion of malignancy than expected in Bethesda III, underscoring the importance of having institution-specific data to guide decision-making. However, there is a need for risk stratification tools that allow for conservative management in low-risk cases.
Los pasados perfectos en combinación con los adverbios temporales ayer, jamás, previamente, recientemente, recién y ahora
Authors: Llorente Pinto M.ª del Rosario
Published: May 2024

En este trabajo analizamos los usos de pretérito perfecto compuesto (PPC) y el pretérito perfecto simple (PPS) en combinación con los marcadores temporales: ayer, jamás, previamente,recientemente, recién y ahora para establecer un contraste entre los usos de España y los de la América hispanohablante. Hemos tomado como fuente el CORPES XXI en el que el 90 % de los textos corresponde a la lengua escrita y el 10 % a la lengua oral y hemos comprobado que ahora es el marcador que más favorece la aparición del PPC en la mayoría de los países, y con frecuencias muy elevadas. La combinación de este tiempo con ayer, como era predecible, presenta porcentajes muy bajos, aunque el promedio de Perú llega al 2 %, lo cual puede indicar una tendencia mayor que en otras zonas a su uso como aoristo.
Draudimo sektoriaus klientų atsiliepimų ir vertinimų nuotaikų kaitos analizė laike
Authors: Petkutė Donata , Korvel Gražina
Published: May 2024

Šiandien internetas tampa nepakeičiamas informacijos šaltinis, kuriame gausu įvairių atsiliepimų apie įsigytus produktus ar paslaugas. Šie atsiliepimai teikia vertingą informaciją įmonėms, norinčioms geriau suprasti savo klientų poreikius ir lūkesčius. Vienas iš efektyviausių būdų išgauti įžvalgas iš atsiliepimų yra naudoti nuotaikų analizę. Šiame tyrime aptariama, kiek klientų yra patenkinti ir nepatenkinti draudimo sektoriaus teikiamomis paslaugomis bei siūlomais produktais, taip pat nuotaikų priskyrimui buvo naudojami skirtingi vektorizavimo ir klasifikavimo metodai, kad būtų pasiekti geriausi rezultatai. Analizei atlikti naudojami du duomenų rinkiniai – produkto įsigijimo ir atsiliepimai apie žalos išmokėjimą po draudiminio įvykio. Tyrime naudojami du vektorizavimo būdai – žodžių maišo ir TF-IDF bei trys klasifikavimo metodai: atraminių vektorių, naiviojo Bajeso bei ilgalaikės trumposios atminties modelis. Atlikus tyrimą gauta, jog klientų atsiliepimų nuotaikas geriausiai klasifikuoja naiviojo Bajeso klasifikatorius su TF-IDF vektorizavimo būdu, kai tikslumas siekia 91% abiem duomenų rinkiniams. Atsiliepimams po produkto įsigijimo gautos preciziškumo ir atkūrimo metrikos teigiamam sentimentui 93% ir 97% atitinkamai, neigiamai klasei 73% ir 55%. Teigiamai klasei po žalų atlyginimo gautas preciziškumas 93% ir atkūrimo metrika 96%, o neigiamai – 82% ir 72% . Pritaikius atraminių vektorių klasifikatorių su skirtingomis vektorizavimo technikomis gauta tikslumo įvertis 89%.
Macroeconomic Influences on Baltic Housing Loan Flows
Authors: Stasiulionytė Mija Aneta
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of macroeconomic factors on housing loan flows in the Baltic region post-2008 housing bubble. Using stepwise regression, Lasso regression, and pooled regression, data is analyzed from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania spanning 2014 to 2023. Results reveal the significant influence of borrowing costs, wages, unemployment, and inflation rates on loan flows.
Elektromobilių baterijų likutinės vertės prognozavimas
Authors: Veličkevičius Kasparas
Published: May 2024

Elektromobilio baterijos likutinė vertė (angl. state of health, SoH) yra baterijos tikrosios elektrinės talpos ir gamintojo nustatytos talpos santykis. Šis rodiklis apibūdina baterijos degradaciją. Nuo tikslaus baterijos SoH įvertinimo priklauso automobilio efektyvumas ir saugumas. Šio darbo tikslas – prognozuoti baterijos likutinę vertę, naudojant krovimo įtampos duomenis. Tam parinktas XGBoost modelis, gebantis prognozuoti elektromobilių baterijų elementų SoH, remiantis krovimo įtampos kreivių požymiais.
Unit Test Generation Using Large Language Models: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zapkus Dovydas Marius , Slotkienė Asta
Published: May 2024

Unit testing is a fundamental aspect of software development, ensuring the correctness and robustness of code implementations. Traditionally, unit tests are manually crafted by developers based on their understanding of the code and its requirements. However, this process can be time-consuming, errorprone, and may overlook certain edge cases. In recent years, there has been growing interest in leveraging large language models (LLMs) for automating the generation of unit tests. LLMs, such as GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), CodeT5, StarCoder, LLaMA, have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in natural language understanding and code generation tasks. By using LLMs, researchers aim to develop techniques that automatically generate unit tests from code snippets or specifications, thus optimizing the software testing process. This paper presents a literature review of articles that use LLMs for unit test generation tasks. It also discusses the history of the most commonly used large language models and their parameters, including the first time they have been used for code generation tasks. The result of this study presents the large language models for code and unit test generation tasks and their increasing popularity in code generation domain, indicating a great promise for the future of unit test generation using LLMs.
Propagandos atpažinimas lietuviškame tekste naudojant transformeriais pagrįstus, iš anksto apmokytus daugiakalbius modelius
Authors: Zaranka Paulius , Korvel Gražina
Published: May 2024

Didėjant informacijos kiekiui ir jos svarbai visuomenėje atsiranda vis didesnis poreikis automatinių įrankių, gebančių atpažinti propagandą. Dėl geopolitinės situacijos Lietuvos valstybė gali būti ypatingai pažeidžiama propagandinių mechanizmų, o automatinis jos atpažinimas lietuviškuose tekstuose yra nepakankamai ištyrinėta sritis. Šio darbo tikslas – išbandyti 3 pagrindinius transformeriais pagrįstus, iš anksto apmokytus daugiakalbius modelius propagandos atpažinimui. Sprendžiamas binarinis klasifikavimo uždavinys, priskiriant tekstui propagandinio arba nepropagandinio teksto klasę. LitLat, XLM-R ir mBERT modeliai adaptuoti apmokant ekspertų suanotuotu duomenų rinkiniu. Nors geriausią, 88,5 % F1 statistikos įvertį pavyko pasiekti adaptavus LitLat iš anksto apmokytą modelį, kiti šiame darbe adaptuoti modeliai pasiekia panašius rezultatus.
A case study and review of the literature regardingextradural spinalarachnoid cyst
Authors: K Badache , I Belgacem , N Habchi , H Djaidja , Y Djouadi , M Djaafer
Published: May 2024

Arachnoid cysts are spaces containing cerebrospinal fluid partitioned into an arachnoid-formed sheath and are a rare cause of symptomatic spinal cord compression. This case study examined a patient with spastic paraparesis who underwent surgery to remove the cystic lesion and push back the marrow. Post-op control spinal MRI showed total excision of the cyst, and the patient has progressed well and has fully recovered from his deficit. Nabors divides extradural arachnoid cysts into three types: type 1, type 2, and type 3. Type 1 is essentially thoracic, extending over several vertebrae with a peak of greater frequency around the eighth dorsal vertebra. Symptoms are generally slowly progressive, but rapid revelation or decompensation are possible. Treatment options include marsupialization, wide resection, and total excision. For symptomatic cases, total excision is the reference treatment. For painful cases, complete excision, tied off the intradural communication pedicle, and reshaping the dura is the primary surgical goal.
Machine Learning for Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) Prediction Using 4-D Micro-seismic Data
Authors: Aminzadeh Fred , Katz Simon
Published: May 2024

New methodology of stable, high accuracy estimation and optimization of stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) forecast is presented in this paper. It includes time-related data segmentation, new multilevel feature engineering, analysis of associations and importance of engineered variables. Among first-level feature engineered variables are three quantile-type variables qRangeDepth, qRangeNorth, and qRangeEast. hese three quantile-type variables are used for SRV estimation. In addition to quantile-type variables, two first level variables -trange and event minute are constructed as the first -level variables. These two variables give compact characterization of distribution of microseismic events in time and are used as predictor variables in ML SRV forecast. Second and third level engineered variables are built via transformation of variables of the first level. Although in this paper we focus on the SRV forecast, the same ideas are applicable to the characterization and forecasting of the plume volume in carbon storage and monitoring applications. A linear regression method and two ML methods - random forest, and regression tree are used for the SRV forecast. It is demonstrated that in the case of selection of appropriate set of first and second level predictor variables even simplistic linear regression may produce accurate SRV forecasts. Still, machine learning methods produce more accurate forecasts characterized by high values of accuracy parameters r.squared and correlation between SRV and its forecast values. Our results can have a significant impact on the proper design of a hydraulic fracturing operation. It can also be used for monitoring CO2 plume in carbon sequestration sites.
Review of methods for the reuse and recycling of equine bedding waste
Authors: Costa Gabriel Dias , de Souza Breno Mourão , de Freitas Rodrigo Rodrigues
Published: May 2024

The worldwide expansion of the horse industry has changed the role of horses from work animals to competition, companion and recreation animals. Competition and companion horses spend a significant part of their days confined in stalls, on beds made of different materials, such as shavings. Accumulated waste is removed daily or weekly and is often discarded in an uncontrolled manner, becoming a potential pollutant of soil and water. The present work aims to summarize the potential environmental impact of horse litter disposal practices described in the literature in line with the circular economy. The Science Direct database, the website of the United Nations (UN) and the website of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) were used as source material. The results are displayed using the VOSviewer online software. The main horse litter waste disposal practices were burning (to generate heat), pyrolysis (production of biofuels such as bioethanol and biochar) and production of organic fertilizers. The lowest environmental impact was achieved by a combination of these methods.
Management of high recurrent urolithiasis patients: the long term interdisciplinary approach is the key
Authors: Isabelle Tostivint , Vincent Castiglione , Laurence Pieroni , Conort SurgD Pierre , Paule Dousseaux Marie , Christine Bonnal , Raphaëlle Renard-Penna , Rachida Inaoui , Corinne Isnard-Bagnis , Etienne Cavalier , Hassan Izzedine
Published: May 2024

Background: Urolithiasis is a pathology that can be highly recurrent, leading to frequent urological interventions, even with specific management. Objective: We want to verify, whether an interdisciplinary long-term approach during a single day-care program decreases the recurrences rate requiring urological intervention. Design, Setting, and participants: Patients with recurrent stone events were included in a prospective study of 18 months of interdisciplinary management. During the first day (T0), a team of health professionals diagnoses the lithogenic process and analyzes the causes of recurrences to determine preventive measures. Then, patients were re-evaluated at 6 and 18 months later to check the recurrences of stone events and the efficacy of preventive measures. Primary endpoints were urological intervention and urinary tract infection rates at baseline and 6 and 18–months. Secondary endpoints were blood and urine parameters changes and quality of life assessed by an open-ended survey. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: the rate of recurrence and urological intervention was checked before the interdisciplinary day (T0) and at 18 months (T18). Blood and urine samples were analyzed to evaluate the lithogenic process, such as the 24h urine, morning urine, and eGFR. Statistical analyses were performed with Statistica 10. Results and limitations: Out of 157 patients included in the study between 2007 and 2010, 82 (52%) came back 18 months later. After 18 months, 83% did not show any recurrences. The frequency of surgical intervention was 0.65(0.21-1.42) intervention per year before the management and reach 0(0-0) after 18 months (p<0.0001). The 24h diuresis volume was improved from 2.00 (1.50-2.50) to 2.33(1.80-3.05) L/d (p<0.01). Initial extreme values of pH have shown a significant improvement for both initial acid (<5.5, p<0.001), and alkaline (>6.5, p<0.01) pH. Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) was stable (81+-23 VS 80+-22 ml/min/1.73m2 (p>0.05)). However, all parameters of 24h urine, as calciuria and oxaluria, did not show significant change. Conclusion: The long-term interdisciplinary management of the recurrent stone former was useful to reduce recurrences and decrease uro-logical intervention.
Treatment of urethral and bladder condyloma acuminata
Authors: Patel Nishita , Marantidis Joanna , Davenport Abigail , Diaz Olivia Casas , Markel Michael , Richter Lee Ann
Published: May 2024

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections in the world and rarely may affect the urethra and bladder. This article describes two cases of bladder HPV infection managed at our institution and summarizes literature describing the management of lower urinary tract HPV lesions published in PubMed (MEDLINE) since 2010. Articles were selected after performing a scoping literature review using the search terms “human papillomavirus”, “condyloma”, “bladder” and/or “urethra”. Thirty-five articles were included in the review with treatment options including surgical excision, ablative therapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical agents.
Rare bird spotted: renal clear cell carcinoma in a pancake kidney case report
Authors: Alami R Ouaddane , Mhammedi N Alaoui , Ahsaini M , Mellas S , Ammari J El , Tazi MF , Fassi MJ El , Farih MH
Published: May 2024

The discovery of a tumor process on a Pancake kidney allows the authors to review both the particularities of this association and the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The diagnosis of Pancake kidney may be difficult, and CT Scan examination is very useful to confirm the renal anomaly, tumor situation, and to plan a surgical strategy by visualizing the vascular pedicles which are highly variable. The surgery of exeresis, adapted to the tumor location, represents the essential therapeutic time.
Intravesical migration of an intrauterine contraceptive device secondarily calcified: a case report
Authors: Chama Othman , Mhammedi Nabil Alaoui , Benabdelhak Oussama , Ahsaini Mustapha , Mella Soufiane , EL Ammari Jalal Eddine , Tazi Mohammed Fadl , Fassi Mohammed Jamal , Farih Moulay Hassan , Belhaj Yassine , Outifa Yassine , Fdili Fatima Zahra , Melhouf Moulay Abdelilah
Published: May 2024

The intrauterine contraceptive device is the most commonly used, safe, and reversible method of contraception. However, this contraceptive method is not without complications. Migration of a device into adjacent organs is the most morbid of all the documented complications. A history that suggests the loss or disappearance of an intrauterine device in a patient with urinary symptoms must suspect intravesical migration. We present a case report describing the migration of an intrauterine contraceptive device into the bladder secondarily calcified.