bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond SARS-CoV-2: epidemiological surveillance of respiratory viruses in Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Pedroza-Uribe Isaac Murisi , Vega Magaña Natali , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Peña-Rodriguez Marcela , Carranza-Aranda Ahtziri Socorro , Sánchez-Sánchez Rocío , Venancio-Landeros Alberto Anthony , García-González Octavio Patricio , Zavala-Mejía Jacob Jecsan , Ramos-Solano Moisés , Viera-Segura Oliver , García-Chagollán Mariel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Respiratory viral infections represent a significant global health burden. Historically, influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus have been the prevalent viruses; however, the landscape shifted with the widespread emergence of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of viral respiratory infections in Jalisco, Mexico.

Methods

Data encompassing individuals with flu-like symptoms from July 2021 to February 2023 was scrutinized for viral diagnosis through PCR multiplex. The effect of social mobility on the increase in respiratory viral diagnosis infection was considered to estimate its impact. Additionally, sequences of respiratory viruses stored in public databases were retrieved to ascertain the phylogenetic classification of previously reported viruses in Mexico.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 was the most detected virus (n = 5,703; 92.2%), followed by influenza (n = 479; 7.78%). These viruses were also found as the most common co-infection (n = 11; 50%), and for those with influenza, a higher incidence of severe disease was reported (n = 122; 90.4%; p < 0.001). Regarding comorbidities and unhealthy habits, smoking was found to be a risk factor for influenza infection but a protective factor for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 2.62; IC 95%: 1.66–4.13; OR = 0.65; IC 95%: 0.45–0.94), respectively. Furthermore, our findings revealed a direct correlation between mobility and the prevalence of influenza infection (0.214; p < 0.001).

Discussion

The study presents evidence of respiratory virus reemergence and prevalence during the social reactivation, facilitating future preventive measures.
Better characterizing sleep beliefs for personalized sleep health promotion: the French sleep beliefs scale validation study
Authors: Coelho Julien , Rey Marc , Labonne Annabelle , Adan Ana , Taillard Jacques , Geoffroy Pierre-Alexis , Cugy Didier , Dakar Alexandre , Philip Pierre , Poirot Isabelle , Royant-Parola Sylvie , Hartley Sarah , Vecchierini Marie-Françoise , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur
Published: January 2024

Background

The Sleep Beliefs Scale (SBS) is a well-known tool to design and monitor personalized sleep health promotion at an individual and population level. The lack of an established French version limits the development of effective interventions targeting these populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to validate the French version of the SBS in a representative sample of the general population.

Methods

Quota sampling was used to recruit 1,004 participants (18–65 years, mean age: 43 years, 54% of female) who underwent an online survey to complete the SBS, and to assess sleep schedules, sleep quality and disorders, and mental health. Cronbach’s α coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis, item-internal consistency (IIC), and item discriminant validity (IDV) of the SBS were computed to assess internal validity while bivariate associations with sleep schedules, sleep quality and disorders, and mental health were used to assess external convergent and discriminant validity.

Results

The mean score on the SBS was 12.3 ± 4.9. Item 19 (“Quiet & Dark”) showed the highest rate of correct answers (n = 801, 79.8%), while item 20 (“Recovering sleep”) showed the lowest rate of correct answers (n = 246, 24.5%). Overall, the SBS showed satisfactory internal consistency (α = 0.87) and confirmed the three-factor structure proposed by the original study. All items were found consistent (IIC > 0.4) and discriminant (IIC > IDV) except for item 20 (“recovering lost sleep by sleeping for a long time”). Females, older participants, and subjects with short time-in-bed, poor sleep quality, insomnia, and circadian rhythm disorder had higher SBS scores while participants with depressive symptoms had lower SBS scores.

Conclusion

We successfully translated and validated the French version of the SBS in a representative sample, making it a reliable instrument for researchers and clinicians to assess and target sleep beliefs. Correct answers vary from 25 to 80% which underlines the importance of continuing sleep health promotion campaigns by targeting poorly understood behaviors. Our findings also shed light on the fickleness of beliefs that are prone to vary within individuals across time, in step with societal changes. Several associated factors were identified, thus contributing to our understanding of sleep beliefs and offering insights for personalized approaches to enhance sleep health and overall well-being.
Guiding future research on psychological interventions in people with COVID-19 and post COVID syndrome and comorbid emotional disorders based on a systematic review
Authors: Martínez-Borba Verónica , Martínez-García Laura , Peris-Baquero Óscar , Osma Jorge , del Corral-Beamonte Esther
Published: January 2024

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has been emotionally challenging for the entire population and especially for people who contracted the illness. This systematic review summarizes psychological interventions implemented in COVID-19 and long COVID-19 patients who presented comorbid emotional disorders.

Methods and measures

3,839 articles were identified in 6 databases and 43 of them were included in this work. Two independent researchers selected the articles and assessed their quality.

Results

2,359 adults were included in this review. Severity of COVID-19 symptoms ranged from asymptomatic to hospitalized patients; only 3 studies included long COVID-19 populations. Similar number of randomized controlled studies (n = 15) and case studies (n = 14) were found. Emotional disorders were anxiety and/or depressive symptoms (n = 39) and the psychological intervention most represented had a cognitive behavioral approach (n = 10). Length of psychological programs ranged from 1–5 sessions (n = 6) to 16 appointments (n = 2). Some programs were distributed on a daily (n = 4) or weekly basis (n = 2), but other proposed several sessions a week (n = 4). Short (5–10 min, n = 4) and long sessions (60–90 min, n = 3) are proposed. Most interventions were supported by the use of technologies (n = 18). Important risk of bias was present in several studies.

Conclusion

Promising results in the reduction of depressive, anxiety and related disorders have been found. However, important limitations in current psychological interventions were detected (i.e., duration, format, length, and efficacy of interventions were not consistently established across investigations). The results derived from our work may help to understand clinical practices in the context of pandemics and could guide future efforts to manage emotional suffering in COVID-19 patients. A stepped model of care could help to determine the dosage, length and format of delivery for each patient.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022367227. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022367227
Outcome of emergency patients transported by ambulance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Osaka Prefecture, Japan: a population-based descriptive study
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Tanaka Kenta , Domi Hisaya , Masui Jun , Nakao Shunichiro , Tachino Jotaro , Hirose Tomoya , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Oda Jun , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: January 2024

Background

The novel corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic occurred worldwide. Although an excessive burden was placed on emergency medical institutions treating urgent and severe patients, its impact on patient outcome remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 on the emergency medical services (EMS) system and patient outcomes in Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study with a study period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. We included patients who were transported by ambulance and had cleaned data that was recorded in the ORION system. The study endpoints were the number of patients transported by ambulance and the number of deaths among these patients in each month. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EMS system, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using 2019 as the reference year. Mortalities were evaluated based on deaths in the emergency department and deaths at 21 days after hospitalization.

Results

The numbers of patients transported by ambulance were 500,194 in 2019, 443,321 in 2020 (IRR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87–0.88), and 448,054 in 2021 (IRR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.89–0.90). In 2019, the number of patients transported by ambulance and who died in the emergency departments was 4,980, compared to 5,485 in 2020 (IRR: 1.10, 95% CI; 1.06–1.44) and 5,925 in 2021 (IRR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.15–1.24). In 2019, the number of patients who died within 21 days after hospitalization was 11,931, compared to 11,913 in 2020 (IRR; 1.00, 95% CI; 0.98–1.03) and 13,376 in 2021 (IRR; 1.12, 95% CI; 1.09–1.15).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic decreased the number of ambulance requests and worsened mortality of patients transported by ambulance in Osaka Prefecture during 2021.
Global, national, and regional burden of acute myeloid leukemia among 60–89 years-old individuals: insights from a study covering the period 1990 to 2019
Authors: Chen Pengyin , Liu Xinling , Zhao Yao , Hu Yuyuan , Guo Jiaxin , Wang Haiying
Published: January 2024

Background

Our study examined the global, national, and regional trends in the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with older people’s acute myeloid leukemia (AML) over a 30 years period. AML, which predominantly affects individuals aged 60–89, is known for its severity and unfavorable prognosis. By providing insights into the growing burden of AML, our research highlights the urgent need for effective interventions and support at various levels.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed older people with AML aged 60–89 using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database for 2019. Our goal was to assess trends and characteristics by examining the incidence rate, mortality rate, DALYs, and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). We aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease’s trajectory and development.

Results

In 2019, the older age group of 60 to 89 years reported 61,559 new cases of AML, with the corresponding number of deaths being 53,620, and the estimated DALYs standing at 990,656. Over the last 30 years, the incidence rate of AML in this age bracket increased by 1.67 per 100,000 people, the mortality rate rose by 1.57 per 100,000 people, and the rate of DALYs, indicative of disease burden, climbed by 1.42 per 100,000 people. High Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions, particularly high-income North America and Australia, had the highest incidence rates. Germany had the highest incidence rate among the 204 countries analyzed, while Monaco reported the highest mortality and DALY rates. Smoking, high body mass index, occupational exposure to benzene, and formaldehyde were identified as significant risk factors associated with mortality from older people with AML in 2019.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the incidence, mortality, and DALY rates of AML in the older population were strongly correlated with the SDI, and these rates have been steadily increasing. This had become an increasingly serious global health issue, particularly in areas with a high SDI. We highlighted the urgency to focus more on this disease and called for the prompt implementation of appropriate preventive and control measures.
Auditory discrimination in aging bilinguals vs. monolinguals with and without hearing loss
Authors: Hisagi Miwako , Barragan Beatriz , Diaz Arlene , White Kai , Winter Margaret
Published: January 2024

Demands for effective assessments of speech perception specific to the aging brain are increasing, as the impacts of hearing loss on an individual’s functional health, socialization, and cognition have become more widely recognized. Understanding the mechanisms behind the optimal function of the aging brain in relation to speech and language is challenging, especially in the bilingual population where the language learning and language interference processes could be mistaken for perceptual difficulty. Age-related presbycusis is unavoidable, and the contributions of this sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) process on impaired speech recognition are not completely understood. This lack of understanding of the effects of aging and bilingual language competency on speech perception can act as a barrier to successful auditory rehabilitation. The present study investigated the effects of aging on vowel sound discrimination in adult listeners (age 50+) with the following characteristics: American English (AE) monolinguals with normal hearing, simultaneous or early sequential Spanish-English (SE) bilinguals with normal hearing, and AE monolinguals with SNHL (AE-SNHL). The goal was to identify the differences in vowel sound discrimination performance between the monolingual and bilingual aging populations to guide future language assessments and intervention processes. English vowel discrimination was assessed using an AXB discrimination task in quiet and using the Quick Speech in Noise (QuickSIN) test. SE bilinguals were outperformed by AE and AE-SNHL monolinguals, suggesting SE bilinguals primarily use their L1 acoustic properties to discriminate speech segments. No significant difference was found in QuickSIN performance between the bilingual and the monolingual groups, but there was a significant difference between AE and AE-SNHL. In conclusion, vowel discrimination was affected by interference with the native language, while performance in the noise condition was affected by hearing loss. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the age-related speech processing deficits from three different aging groups regarding the cognitive control system.
Rare and complex diseases in focus: ChatGPT's role in improving diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Zheng Yue , Sun Xu , Feng Baijie , Kang Kai , Yang Yuqi , Zhao Ailin , Wu Yijun
Published: January 2024

Rare and complex diseases pose significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers. These conditions often present with atypical symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment a formidable task. In recent years, artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies have shown great promise in assisting medical professionals in diagnosing and managing such conditions. This paper explores the role of ChatGPT, an advanced artificial intelligence model, in improving the diagnosis and treatment of rare and complex diseases. By analyzing its potential applications, limitations, and ethical considerations, we demonstrate how ChatGPT can contribute to better patient outcomes and enhance the healthcare system's overall effectiveness.
Piloting creative engagement strategies to explore themes of parenthood with fathers
Authors: Culpin Iryna , Lamont-Robinson Catherine , Billington Mark , James Matthew , Prewett James , Ward Gareth , Bes Garcia Mireia , Biglino Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The role of the arts in health is increasingly recognised, with participatory arts-based approaches facilitating public engagement. However, little is known about men's involvement in art-based participatory research. We aimed to investigate how men who are fathers may be engaged creatively to explore experiential aspects of fathering and parenthood.

Methods

Fathers collaborated with an artist, sharing individual perspectives around fatherhood by telephone and email, leading up to creative representations of fatherhood. Initial conversations were prompted by images from a 2020 exhibition catalogue entitled “Masculinities” (Barbican Centre, London) inviting participants' responses to the photographic curation. The catalogue served as an artistic reference to gauge a sense of participants' creative predispositions, as well as a foundation to facilitate spontaneous dialogue about personal meanings of fatherhood. Fathers' experiences of contemporary arts varied greatly; yet all fathers confidently shared responses ranging from photographers' representation of masculinity and fatherhood and perceptions of what was excluded or privileged within this very specific curation. These discussions further led to conversations around representations of fatherhood and highlighted particular areas of interest in terms of fathers' involvement in research and public engagement. The artist provided reflections to each participant by email with links to arts resources building on the initial conversations. Two further shorter sessions followed as fathers' key messages emerged, and the final forms of their own creative expressions crystallised.

Results

The final pieces included a musical composition around sharing vulnerability as a new father, a word cloud to represent gendered language of parenthood, an animated graphic image representing the bond between father and child, a combination of short poetic stanzas highlighting assumptions around fatherhood, an experiential photographic record of a father and a son in the early years, and a cartoon strip around emotional intelligence in parenting.

Discussion

Arts-based participatory engagement enabled to capture deep-rooted experiences of being a father in modern society, illuminating common cultural and intergenerational perspectives, while also tapping into unique individual experiences. The richness and diversity of these unique responses suggest that arts-based methodology can facilitate public engagement with men and lead to deep reflections on complex and socially constructed phenomena such as fathering and parenthood.
Navigating the impact of climate change in India: a perspective on climate action (SDG13) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG11)
Authors: Hussain Sharfaa , Hussain Ejaz , Saxena Pallavi , Sharma Ashish , Thathola Pooja , Sonwani Saurabh
Published: January 2024

Climate change is a global concern of the current century. Its rapid escalation and ever-increasing intensity have been felt worldwide, leading to dramatic impacts globally. The aftermath of climate change in India has brought about a profound transformation in India's environmental, socio-economic, and urban landscapes. In 2019, India ranked seventh, among the most affected countries by extreme weather events caused due to changing climate. This impact was evident in terms of both, the human toll with 2,267 lives lost, and the economic damage, which accounted for 66,182 million US$ Purchasing power parities (PPPs). Over the recent years, India has experienced a significant increase in the number and frequency of extreme weather events, causing vulnerable communities. The country experienced severe air pollution problems in several metropolitan cities and was highlighted in the list of the world's most polluted cities. Additionally, India has become the most populous nation globally, boasting a population of 1.4 billion people, equating to ~18% of the global population, and experiencing an increased rate of consumption of natural resources. Owing to the country's current scenario, various climate mitigation strategies, including nature-based solutions, must be implemented to reduce such impacts and support India's target of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This review tries to have a holistic understanding of the effects of climate change on different sectors to identify India's challenges in achieving SDG 13 and SDG 11. Finally, it also highlighted the future recommendations for climate change-related research from an Indian perspective.
Your Brain’s “Save” Button: The Amygdala
Authors: Wahlstrom Krista L. , Inman Cory S.
Published: January 2024

Do you ever wonder why you remember some experiences better than others? Why do you remember that funny joke your friend told at lunch a few months ago or the scary snake you saw in your backyard, but not that time you went to the post office with your parents? Just like a computer has a save button, our brains do, too! When something scary, exciting, or strange happens, a small part of the brain, the amygdala, helps us click “save” on that event so we can remember it later. Decades of research have helped scientists understand what parts of the brain are important for memory and how the amygdala works with other brain regions to tag experiences as worth remembering. This research is important for understanding how memories are formed and can help us create new therapies for people with memory problems, who have trouble forming new memories and remembering past experiences.
Can Exercise Help Our Tendons?
Authors: Nasser Anthony
Published: January 2024

Do you ever think about how people can skip, hop, run, and jump? It is largely thanks to our incredible tendons! Tendons connect muscles to bones, with the special job of transferring the muscle’s power to the attached bones to help us move. Tendons are strong and do not change shape easily. This helps ensure our bodies move efficiently. Did you know that there are thousands of tendons in the body? The largest of all is the Achilles tendon, in the ankle. Whilst tendons are strong and resilient, they can become injured. The most common injury to tendons is called tendinopathy. Exercises are commonly used to treat tendon pain. In fact, exercise makes tendons stronger and helps people return to doing the activities they love.
Case report: Radiography and computed tomography of tension pneumoperitoneum caused by gastric perforation in a dog
Authors: Kim Myounghun , Jeong Jeongyun , Cho Changhyeon , Eom Kidong , Kim Jaehwan
Published: January 2024

Tension pneumoperitoneum is characterized by excessive accumulation of gas in the peritoneal cavity, which leads to cardiorespiratory distress. We present the case of a 4-year-old female Labrador retriever who presented with a severe abdominal distension and panting. Radiography revealed a large volume of free gas in the peritoneal cavity with decreased serosal detail. After emergency needle decompression, ultrasound-guided aspiration of the peritoneal effusion helped confirm septic peritonitis. Computed tomography revealed a gastric mass measuring approximately 3.7 × 5.0 × 5.5 cm, which was suspected to have caused the gastric perforation. A large volume of free gas was present in the peritoneal cavity, causing compression and centralization of the abdominal organs. A low-attenuating cleft suggestive of perforation site near the gastric mass was also observed. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed gastric perforation of approximately 2.2 cm adjacent to the gastric mass. The patient was finally diagnosed with tension pneumoperitoneum caused by gastric perforation. The mass was resected with a 1–2-cm surgical margin, and imprinting cytology indicated gastric carcinoma. The patient was aggressively treated with fluid, analgesic, antithrombotic, and antibacterial therapy. However, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate, and euthanasia was performed at the owner’s request. Our report is the first to describe the multimodal imaging features of a dog with tension pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastric perforation caused by gastric neoplasm.
Advancements in copy number variation screening in herbivorous livestock genomes and their association with phenotypic traits
Authors: Liu Xiaotong , Chen Wenting , Huang Bingjian , Wang Xinrui , Peng Yongdong , Zhang Xinhao , Chai Wenqiong , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Wang Changfa
Published: January 2024

Copy number variations (CNVs) have garnered increasing attention within the realm of genetics due to their prevalence in human, animal, and plant genomes. These structural genetic variations have demonstrated associations with a broad spectrum of phenotypic diversity, economic traits, environmental adaptations, epidemics, and other essential aspects of both plants and animals. Furthermore, CNVs exhibit extensive sequence variability and encompass a wide array of genomes. The advancement and maturity of microarray and sequencing technologies have catalyzed a surge in research endeavors pertaining to CNVs. This is particularly prominent in the context of livestock breeding, where molecular markers have gained prominence as a valuable tool in comparison to traditional breeding methods. In light of these developments, a contemporary and comprehensive review of existing studies on CNVs becomes imperative. This review serves the purpose of providing a brief elucidation of the fundamental concepts underlying CNVs, their mutational mechanisms, and the diverse array of detection methods employed to identify these structural variations within genomes. Furthermore, it seeks to systematically analyze the recent advancements and findings within the field of CNV research, specifically within the genomes of herbivorous livestock species, including cattle, sheep, horses, and donkeys. The review also highlighted the role of CNVs in shaping various phenotypic traits including growth traits, reproductive traits, pigmentation and disease resistance etc., in herbivorous livestock. The main goal of this review is to furnish readers with an up-to-date compilation of knowledge regarding CNVs in herbivorous livestock genomes. By integrating the latest research findings and insights, it is anticipated that this review will not only offer pertinent information but also stimulate future investigations into the realm of CNVs in livestock. In doing so, it endeavors to contribute to the enhancement of breeding strategies, genomic selection, and the overall improvement of herbivorous livestock production and resistance to diseases.
Análisis probabilístico de la segmentación de créditos en la provincia El Oro-Ecuador
Authors: Cedillo-Chalaco Luis , Campuzano-Vásquez John Alexander
Published: January 2024

Dentro del contexto de la provincia de El Oro-Ecuador, se aprecia la escasez de investigaciones académicas que determinen la probabilidad de que las distintas instituciones financieras públicas o privadas otorguen un determinado tipo de crédito. Generalmente el otorgamiento del crédito responde al cumplimiento de un determinado número de requisitos y se lo considera como una práctica mecánica. Por tal, se plantea como objetivo calcular la probabilidad de acceder a un crédito desarrollando un modelo econométrico de regresión logística multinomial usando el "método de máxima verosimilitud" que permita de manera técnica encontrar los valores más probables de los parámetros de la distribución en una muestra de beneficiarios de las instituciones financieras de la provincia de El Oro, considerando las más importantes variables regresoras que concuerdan con la literatura crediticia existente y la realidad local. Los resultados revelan que, de los tres principales segmentos de créditos analizados (consumo, grupal y microcrédito), es más probable que se otorguen (por su mayor nivel de probabilidad) las de tipo grupal; debido principalmente a que, al existir un mayor número de integrantes solicitantes, las garantías para el pago de la deuda en el tiempo establecido son más altas. Además, a esta característica la acompaña que el monto que se solicita es mayor, y el destino del dinero es especialmente dedicado a realizar actividades productivas.
Análisis de la Incidencia del Liderazgo Educativo Praxeológico en el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico y la inclusión social
Authors: Diaz-Esteban Cristhian Harold
Published: January 2024

El presente estudio busca identificar la importancia del liderazgo educativo praxeológico en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Las instituciones educativas deben innovar permanentemente en pro de una mejor inclusión y comprensión de los educandos. El objetivo principal es evaluar el impacto del liderazgo educativo praxeológico en el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico y la inclusión social de los estudiantes en la Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, exploratoria mediante una revisión documental, y un cuestionario aplicado a 80 participantes, tanto docentes y estudiantes. Teniendo en cuenta tres categorías: Liderazgo educativo praxeológico, otros estilos de liderazgo y el aprendizaje significativo. Los datos se analizaron con el software Atlas Ti. 23. Los resultados obtenidos identifican la pertinencia del Liderazgo educativo praxeológico frente a los otros estilos de liderazgo para promover un aprendizaje significativo.  En la pregunta ¿Cuál estilo de liderazgo considera mejor? Respondieron que el mejor estilo de liderazgo educativo es el Praxeológico con un 75 %. En la pregunta ¿Considera que el liderazgo educativo praxeológico ayuda a desarrollar el pensamiento crítico y la inclusión de los estudiantes para aplicar en la vida real? Respondieron que, si un 87% de los encuestados porque ayuda a formar personas integralmente, desarrollando el pensamiento crítico y un aprendizaje significativo. El liderazgo educativo praxeológico es un factor determinante para la inclusión y la articulación con otros estilos de liderazgo como el transformacional. Además, se identificó que falta capacitación entre los docentes y estudiantes para mejorar su experticia.
publicidad digital como herramienta de marketing: desde la perspectiva de imágenes visuales que llaman la atención a los usuarios
Authors: Pérez-Quishpe Génesis Dayana , Castro-Analuiza Juan Carlos
Published: January 2024

Con la finalidad de comprender mejor la influencia de la publicidad digital en la plataforma Instagram, se llevó a cabo un estudio de la publicidad en las marcas de cafeterías de la ciudad de Ambato - Ecuador centrada en los reels, una forma de contenido audiovisual corto que ha cobrado relevancia en la era de la publicidad digital. El objetivo principal del estudio fue analizar el impacto que estos reels tienen en los clientes, centrándonos en la interacción visual y emocional que generan, bajo un contexto descriptivo y enfoque de neuromarketing por medio del uso del software de seguimiento ocular RealEye. Esta metodología permitió rastrear y registrar con precisión los movimientos oculares de las unidades de análisis, mientras observaron los reels. Se generaron diversas reacciones emocionales significativas, como felicidad y sorpresa; mientras que, las fijaciones oculares revelaron las escenas específicas que capturaron mayor atención, esto de la mano con las revisitas que mostraron los segmentos que habían generado una fuerte impresión. Esto exhibe que las marcas deben crear reels con clips relevantes que modulen el contenido de las escenas emocionales específicas y omitir aquellas escenas que no generan el impacto deseado, para mejorar el éxito en la creación de contenido audiovisual plenamente atractivo que beneficie selectivamente la atención en el plano afectivo y placentero.
A Novel Algorithm to Detect White Flowering Honey Trees in Mixed Forest Ecosystems Using UAV-Based RGB Imaging
Authors: Atanasov Atanas Z. , Evstatiev Boris I. , Vladut Valentin N. , Biris Sorin-Stefan
Published: January 2024

Determining the productive potential of flowering vegetation is crucial in obtaining bee products. The application of a remote sensing approach of terrestrial objects can provide accurate information for the preparation of maps of the potential bee pasture in a given region. The study is aimed at the creation of a novel algorithm to identify and distinguish white flowering honey plants, such as black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia) and to determine the areas occupied by this forest species in mixed forest ecosystems using UAV-based RGB imaging. In our study, to determine the plant cover of black locust in mixed forest ecosystems we used a DJI (Da-Jiang Innovations, Shenzhen, China) Phantom 4 Multispectral drone with 6 multispectral cameras with 1600 × 1300 image resolution. The monitoring was conducted in the May 2023 growing season in the village of Yuper, Northeast Bulgaria. The geographical location of the experimental region is 43°32′4.02″ N and 25°45′14.10″ E at an altitude of 223 m. The UAV was used to make RGB and multispectral images of the investigated forest massifs, which were thereafter analyzed with the software product QGIS 3.0. The spectral images of the observed plants were evaluated using the newly created criteria for distinguishing white from non-white colors. The results obtained for the scanned area showed that approximately 14–15% of the area is categorized as white-flowered trees, and the remaining 86–85%—as non-white-flowered. The comparison of the developed algorithm with the Enhanced Bloom Index (EBI) approach and with supervised Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification showed that the suggested criterion is easy to understand for users with little technical experience, very accurate in identifying white blooming trees, and reduces the number of false positives and false negatives. The proposed approach of detecting and mapping the areas occupied by white flowering honey plants, such as black locust (Robinia pseudo-acacia) in mixed forest ecosystems is of great importance for beekeepers in determining the productive potential of the region and choosing a place for an apiary.
The Effects of Tachykinin1 Gene Products on Prepubertal Dabry’s Sturgeon (Acipenser dabrynus) Pituitary Hormone Secretion and Gene Expression
Authors: Xiao Kan , Huang Hongtao , Shi Xuetao , Shu Tingting , Cheng Xu , Du Hejun , Yang Jing
Published: January 2024

As an ancient and endangered species unique to the Yangtze River in China, the wild population of the Dabry’s sturgeon has become scarce. Due to the long time till the first sexual maturity of Dabry’s sturgeon, the population of artificially bred Dabry’s sturgeon recovered slowly. As a member of the tachykinin family, TAC1 has been reported to have a variety of functions in mammals such as pain control, smooth muscle contraction and reproductive cycle regulation, but the function of Tac1 in fish has been rarely reported. In this study, we synthesized two tac1 gene products, Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), and further verified the effect of two tac1 gene products on the secretion of related hormones in the pituitary of Dabry’s Sturgeon by intraperitoneal injection and co-culture of primary cells. Expression studies revealed that the newly cloned tac1 were mainly distributed in the hypothalamus and pituitary tissue of the brain. In prepubertal Dabry’s sturgeon, this study showed that the two gonadotropins’ mRNA levels in pituitary tissue can be significantly increased by SP and NKA through intraperitoneal injection, and the LH protein level in serum was also increased. Further study showed that both NKA and SP could promote the two gonadotropins’ mRNA expression in pituitary cells of Dabry’s sturgeon. In addition, we explored the optimal dose and time of SP and NKA on pituitary cells is 24 h and over 10 nM. These results, as a whole, suggested that tac1 gene products play an important role in gonadotropin release and gonadal development in prepubertal Dabry’s sturgeon.
Measuring Veterinarian Professions’ Readiness for Interprofessional Learning in a Pre- and Post-Intervention Study
Authors: Heise Sylva Agnete Charlotte , Tipold Andrea , Rohn Karl , Kleinsorgen Christin
Published: January 2024

The integration of interprofessional collaboration is becoming increasingly crucial in veterinary care settings, emphasising the need for interprofessional education (IPE) in veterinary programmes. This study explores the readiness for interprofessional learning among German veterinary students, apprentices and related occupations before and after an interprofessional communication course. It assesses the impact of this course on the participants’ attitudes using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). The course, offered in two iterations, combined asynchronous online modules, live seminars and practical training elements. The RIPLS was administered before and after the course to gauge attitude shifts towards interprofessional learning. Statistical analyses, including McNemar, Cohen’s Kappa and exact Fisher tests, were employed to compare pre- and post-test responses. Despite challenges in participant linking, significant findings emerged between the student and apprentice groups in specific areas of the RIPLS, notably in the “Professional Identity” subscale post-course. However, correlations between face-to-face contact and RIPLS ratings were not observed, suggesting a need for more integrated interprofessional learning experiences. While some limitations in sample size and profession distribution hinder generalisability, this study indicates a high receptiveness to interprofessional learning in veterinary education, emphasising the potential for attitude changes with more interactive participation and programme adjustments.
New Antimicrobial Strategies to Treat Multi-Drug Resistant Infections Caused by Gram-Negatives in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Scoffone Viola Camilla , Barbieri Giulia , Irudal Samuele , Trespidi Gabriele , Buroni Silvia
Published: January 2024

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from recurrent bacterial infections which induce inflammation, lung tissue damage and failure of the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to combinatorial antibiotic therapies triggers the appearance of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. The development of alternative antimicrobial strategies may provide a way to mitigate antimicrobial resistance. Here we discuss different alternative approaches to the use of classic antibiotics: anti-virulence and anti-biofilm compounds which exert a low selective pressure; phage therapies that represent an alternative strategy with a high therapeutic potential; new methods helping antibiotics activity such as adjuvants; and antimicrobial peptides and nanoparticle formulations. Their mechanisms and in vitro and in vivo efficacy are described, in order to figure out a complete landscape of new alternative approaches to fight MDR Gram-negative CF pathogens.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Suitability Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation
Authors: Vranešević Milica , Zemunac Radoš , Grabić Jasna , Salvai Andrea
Published: January 2024

The hydrochemical properties of groundwater play a crucial role in crop growth and soil health, as well as the maintenance of irrigation equipment. To ensure suitable water quality for irrigation, the present study was conducted to evaluate the hydrochemical properties of irrigation groundwater in a typical agricultural region of Serbia. Groundwater was sampled at three monitoring locations in the Srem region in Republic of Serbia between 2011 and 2020. Examined parameters included electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), pH values, and the concentrations of cations (sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and potassium (K+)) and anions (bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sulfate (SO42−), and nitrate (NO3−)). Further assessment was done using three classification systems; Nejgebauer’s, the US USSL, and the FAO classification. To obtain a more detailed assessment, additional indices were included, such as Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), and Total Hardness (TH). The PCA analysis detected that the concentration of K+, Ca2+, and Na+ in the irrigation water were lower in recent years, while the concentration of Cl− was higher. The cluster analysis grouped the parameters into three clusters; I—electroconductivity, II—dry residue and HCO3−, and III—other water parameters for all three monitoring localities. According to the applied classifications, the majority of underground water samples were suitable for irrigation. However, some samples fell out of the range of the first class, indicating the need for regular water quality monitoring. In light of climate changes that influence water deficiency, the urgent need for wise and sustainable water use implies the application of a comprehensive approach to irrigation water quality assessment, as shown in this study.
A Different Approach to Analyzing the Surface Roughness of Prosthetic Dental Acrylic Resins
Authors: Quezada Margarida Martins , Fernandes Carlos , Montero Javier , Correia André , Salgado Helena , Fonseca Patrícia
Published: January 2024

(1) Introduction: Apart from the polishing method, conventional or mechanized, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) is the most common metric to evaluate the surface roughness of denture base acrylic resins. An overview of the constraints related to this roughness parameter is highlighted in this study. This research introduces new parameters for accessing a functional analysis of surface roughness. (2) Materials and Methods: Five samples of CAD/CAM 3D-printed acrylic resins were prepared. Two polishing techniques, manual and mechanical, were applied. Surface roughness parameters were extracted from a profilometer reading: arithmetic mean height (Ra and Pa), skewness (Rsk and Psk), and kurtosis (Rku and Pku). (3) Results: Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found in the Ra distribution among the study samples, in contrast with the lack of significance in Pa values. Surface roughness parameters revealed an increased coefficient of variance (CV) value due to mechanized polishing across the specimens analyzed. Skewness and kurtosis indicate a more pronounced distribution with the manual polishing technique. (4) Conclusion: This preliminary study exhibits the influence of different polishing protocols on surface roughness parameters. The primary profile, skewness, and kurtosis should be assessed for the surface characterization of acrylic resins.
Computational Assessment of the Deposited Power and the Temperature Increase around Two Coupled Implanted Leads Inside a 1.5 T MRI Scanner
Authors: Tsanidis George , Samaras Theodoros
Published: January 2024

A specific method for the estimation of the induced power at the tip by an active implantable medical device (AIMD) during an MRI scan is not defined in ISO/TS 10974:2018 for the cases of devices with multiple leads or the presence of abandoned and retained leads, where coupling between two leads could take place. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate a numerical method, similar to Tier 3 of ISO/TS 10974:2018, for the estimation of the deposited power at the tips of two coupled implanted leads. Specifically, the proposed methodology applies the same parameters as the standard Tier 3 process. However, these parameters are calculated for each implant in the presence of its neighbors in order to include the coupling between them. Numerical electromagnetic simulations were performed, in which a pair of generic implant leads was excited and placed at various positions relative to each other. The deposited power at the tips of the pair was analyzed based on the standard Tier 3 approach, and the results show that this could overestimate the induced power by more than 6 dB. Therefore, a modified Tier 3 numerical method for the estimation of the deposited power at their tips is proposed, which can produce a reliable calculation. This method was confirmed by evaluating various configurations of the two leads excited by orthogonal electrical fields, and also its uncertainty budget was developed. Finally, the method was repeated for different properties of the generic implants and the surrounding tissue, as well as for a pair of realistic implants and in vivo implantation trajectories.
Biomedical Image Segmentation Using Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Models: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis
Authors: Liu Zengxin , Ma Caiwen , She Wenji , Xie Meilin
Published: January 2024

Biomedical image segmentation plays a pivotal role in medical imaging, facilitating precise identification and delineation of anatomical structures and abnormalities. This review explores the application of the Denoising Diffusion Probabilistic Model (DDPM) in the realm of biomedical image segmentation. DDPM, a probabilistic generative model, has demonstrated promise in capturing complex data distributions and reducing noise in various domains. In this context, the review provides an in-depth examination of the present status, obstacles, and future prospects in the application of biomedical image segmentation techniques. It addresses challenges associated with the uncertainty and variability in imaging data analyzing commonalities based on probabilistic methods. The paper concludes with insights into the potential impact of DDPM on advancing medical imaging techniques and fostering reliable segmentation results in clinical applications. This comprehensive review aims to provide researchers, practitioners, and healthcare professionals with a nuanced understanding of the current state, challenges, and future prospects of utilizing DDPM in the context of biomedical image segmentation.
The Risk-Informed Asset-Centric (RIACT) Urban Resilience Enhancement Process: An Outline and Pilot-Case Demonstrator for Earthquake Risk Mitigation in Portuguese Municipalities
Authors: Rezvani Seyed M. H. S. , Falcão Silva Maria João , de Almeida Nuno Marques
Published: January 2024

This study introduces the Risk-Informed Asset-Centric (RIACT) process, a novel approach aimed at enhancing the safety and resilience of urban infrastructures against natural and man-made disasters. The RIACT method stands out for its comprehensive analysis of potential disruptions to urban areas, encompassing their susceptibility to disasters, vulnerability factors, and recovery capabilities. This study’s primary focus is on Portugal’s 308 municipalities, assessing their preparedness and ability to recover from earthquake events. Methodologically, the study involved employing geographic information system (GIS) mapping to evaluate earthquake risks, combining data on regional risk areas, demographic and economic profiles, and resilience capacities. This approach provides a detailed understanding of each municipality’s strengths and areas in need of improvement, encouraging a collaborative framework for sharing and implementing best practices. The results reveal significant variations in earthquake resilience across different regions, highlighting the need for tailored resilience strategies. Conclusively, the RIACT method not only enhances the resilience of individual municipalities but also contributes to a broader national strategy for urban resilience, offering valuable insights for effective disaster risk management and recovery planning.