bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing ALiF: A Systematic Protocol for Building and Validating an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework in Higher Education
Authors: Zary Nabil
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education demands systematic frameworks to develop AI literacy across diverse institutional stakeholders. Existing approaches often lack clarity, inclusivity, and progression pathways, limiting their effectiveness. This protocol outlines a methodology for creating the AI Literacy Framework (ALiF), a comprehensive model designed to address the needs of students, faculty, and staff in higher education. Methods: ALiF will be developed using a three-phase mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 involves a systematic literature review and expert consultation to design the initial framework. Phase 2 refines the framework through Delphi studies and stakeholder focus groups. Phase 3 validates the framework via expert evaluation and pilot implementation across three higher education institutions. Data collection includes 30 expert interviews, 24–30 focus groups, and quantitative and qualitative analysis of pilot outcomes. Expected Outcomes: The study will deliver (1) a validated AI literacy framework, (2) detailed progression pathways for diverse stakeholder groups, (3) implementation strategies tailored to higher education contexts, and (4) tools for assessing institutional readiness and literacy levels. Supporting outputs will include assessment instruments and toolkits for implementation. Significance: This protocol provides a foundation for institutions to systematically develop, implement, and assess AI literacy programs. Its multi-stakeholder focus and robust methodology contribute significantly to addressing gaps in existing research and practice. Potential limitations include resource-intensive implementation and the need for longitudinal validation.
Correlation Between Patellar Height and Muscle Strength, Knee Angle and Muscle Tone
Authors: Zhou Xing-Han , Kim Tae-Ho
Published: December 2024

For establishing an accurate target for rehabilitation of patellar alta and baja, it is necessary to determine whether there is a correlation between the patellar height and knee joint muscle strength and muscle tone and knee joint range of motion (ROM). Aim: The purpose of this study was to confirm the correlation between patellar height and quadriceps muscle strength and muscle tone and knee joint ROM. Method: This study included 34 subjects. Their patellar length, patellar tendon length, quadriceps muscle strength and muscle tone, and knee joint ROM were measured. Results: The results showed that there was significant correlation between patellar length and quadriceps muscle strength and between the patellar tendon length and quadriceps muscle strength. The patellar length and patellar tendon length were also highly correlated with rectus femoris stiffness. Conclusions: This suggested that patellar length and patellar tendon length are related with knee extensor muscle strength and muscle tone. In addition, factors including strength and tone of the knee extensor muscles can be considered in the treatment of abnormal patella height.
An Analytically Modified Finite Difference Scheme for Pricing Discretely Monitored Options
Authors: Luo Guo , Huang Min
Published: December 2024

Finite difference methods are commonly used in the pricing of discretely monitored exotic options in the Black-Scholes framework, but they tend to converge slowly due to discontinuities contained in terminal conditions. We present an effective analytical modification to existing finite difference methods which greatly enhances their performance on discretely monitored options with non-smooth terminal conditions. We apply this modification to the popular Crank-Nicolson method and obtain highly accurate option pricing results with significantly reduced CPU cost. We also introduce an adaptive mesh refinement technique which further improves the computational speed of the modified finite difference method. The proposed method is especially useful for options with high monitoring frequencies, which are difficult to price using other existing methods.
Combination of numerical and structural approaches in the parallel first-order incomplete triangular decomposition preconditioning method
Authors: Milyukova Olga Yurievna
Published: December 2024

A parallel version of the method of incomplete triangular Cholesky decomposition of the first order of conjugate gradients is considered, which uses a reordering of the coefficient matrix corresponding to a reordering of grid nodes consistent with the partition of the calculation domain. The construction of an incomplete triangular decomposition is carried out with cutting off by value at the internal nodes of subdomains and by value and position on the separators during coarse-grained parallelization. . Sufficient conditions for failure-free performance of the conjugate gradient method with this preconditioner are obtained. Methods of using MPI and MPI+OpenMP technology in constructing and inverting a preconditioner are considered. The time taken to solve problems by the method under consideration using MPI and the hybrid MPI+OpenMP technology is compared using the example of the model problem and a number of problems from the SuiteSparse collection. The convergence rate of this method is compared with the convergence rate of other known methods using the example of solving test problems
THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE RUPIAH IN INDONESIA: VOLATILITY AND ECONOMIC STABILITY
Authors: Aprilliantoni Aprilliantoni , Jimale Farhan Ali
Published: December 2024

The exchange rate of the rupiah is inelastic, which means that changes in the exchange rate do not always lead to significant changes in the supply and demand for the currency. The objective of this research is to analyze the factors influencing the inelasticity of the rupiah exchange rate and its impact on the Indonesian economy. Using literature review and secondary data analysis methods, this study will identify factors such as inflation, monetary policy, and global economic uncertainty that contribute to the inelasticity of the rupiah exchange rate. The research methodology adopts a comprehensive literature review approach by examining the current conditions of the local currency exchange rate, key factors, and potential volatility. This study refers to a number of academic sources and central banks, including the latest academic papers. The research results show that although there is exchange rate volatility, the market's reaction to that volatility tends to be minimal, thus having a significant impact on economic stability.
Once again to the question of the need for self-care services in the compulsory health insurance system of the Russian Federation.
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Saraev A. R. , Cherkasov S. N. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Russian State Social University», Lukin A. G. ,   Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Samara State University of Economics» of the Ministry of Education and Scienceof the Russian Federation
Published: December 2024

The current model of financing compulsory health insurance shows the participation in the system of three main elements – FFOMS, TFOMS of regions and self-government organizations. An assessment of the real costs of maintaining medical insurance organizations allows us to model the reduction of elements of the compulsory health insurance system and attract funds into the system used by insurance companies in their own interests.
Risk Factors for Emergency Room Visits Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Longitudinal Cohort Study Within the Korean Healthcare System
Authors: Yi Heejun , Kim Hyojun , Kim Younghac , Suh Ye-Jin , Park Joo Hyun , Choi Nayeon , Jeong Han-Sin
Published: December 2024

Objectives. A substantial proportion of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) require emergency room (ER) visits or unplanned hospitalizations during or after treatment with various modalities. We investigated HNC cases that necessitated ER visitation after cancer treatment, aiming to identify potential risk factors in the context of the Korean healthcare system.Methods. This single-center cohort study examined patients with HNC who received cancer treatments at Samsung Medical Center in 2019 (n=566). Treatment modalities included surgery alone (n=184), surgery and adjuvant therapy (n=138), curative non-surgical treatment such as radiation or chemoradiation (n=209), and palliative treatments (n=35). We followed these cases for up to 3 years, focusing on those who visited the ER during or after cancer treatment, and analyzed the primary reasons and risk factors associated with these visits.Results. The ER visitation rate was 8.0% (n=45) among patients with HNC, with a total of 70 ER visits (12.4%; mean, 1.56; range, 1–4). The rate of treatment-related ER visitation was 4.6%. Common reasons for ER visits included surgical site or wound complications (31.1% of patients visiting the ER, 22.9% of ER visits) and issues with oral intake or feeding (22.2% of patients, 31.4% of visits). Significant risk factors for ER visits included tumor subsite (with hypopharyngeal cancer associated with a 17.9% rate of treatment-related ER visits), tumor stage (T2–4, 8.6%–12.2%; N+ status, 6.7%), and treatment modality (surgery with adjuvant chemoradiation, 19.4%). Patient age and comorbidities did not represent significant factors.Conclusion. The most frequent reasons for ER visits among patients with HNC included complications with wounds and feeding. Additionally, tumor characteristics and treatment modality were independent risk factors for ER visits. Adequate planning and management to address these issues could potentially decrease the number of ER visits, lower costs, and improve patient care.
Fates of nutrient elements and heavy metals during thermal conversion of cattle slurry-derived anaerobic digestates
Authors: Lane Daniel J. , Sippula Olli , Jokiniemi Jorma , Heimonen Mikko , Kinnunen Niko M. , Virkajärvi Perttu , Shurpali Narasinha J.
Published: December 2024

Thermal processes are emerging as promising solutions to recovering phosphorus and other nutrient elements from anaerobic digestates. The feasibility of nutrient element recovery depends largely on the fates of nutrient elements and heavy metals during thermal processing. This study assesses the partitioning of macronutrients (N, P, K, Na, Ca and Mg) and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, and Mn) between condensed and gaseous phases during thermal conversion of cattle slurry digestates in gas atmospheres of pyrolysis, combustion, and gasification processes. This study also assesses the chemical forms of macronutrients retained in combustion ashes. The partitioning of elements between condensed and gaseous phases was quantified by mass balances based on elemental analyses of char and ash residues. The char and ash residues were prepared in a fixed-bed, batch reactor at temperatures within the range 800–1000°C. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to identify the chemical forms of macronutrient elements in combustion ashes. Volatilisation of P was low (< 20%) when the digestates were heated in inert and oxidising atmospheres, whereas a reducing atmosphere volatilized P to a major extent (~ 60% at 1000°C). Oxidising atmospheres increased volatilisation of N but suppressed volatilisation of K, Na, and Zn. Volatilisation of the following elements was low (< 30%) in all investigated operating conditions: Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu. The combustion ashes contained both high concentrations of P (around 7 w/w%) and acceptable concentrations of regulated heavy metals (Cu, and Zn) for application on agricultural and forest soils in Finland. Phosphorous was retained in the combustion ashes in the form of whitlockite. This form of P is expected to be available to plants when the ashes are added to soil.
Treatment with combined exercise in patients with resistant major depression (TRACE-RMD): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Iriarte-Yoller Nagore , Echaniz-Oses Jose , Pavón-Navajas Cristobal , Tous-Espelosin Mikel , Sánchez-Gómez Pedro M. , MALDONADO-MARTIN SARA , Yoller-Elburgo Ana B. , Elizagarate-Zabala Edorta
Published: December 2024

Background
Around 40% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience moderate remission, with the remainder meeting the criteria for resistant major depression (RMD). It has been shown that exercise has a low-to-moderate effect on MDD, but there is a lack of evidence on exercise interventions in RMD patients. The primary purpose of the proposed study will be to investigate the effect of a 12-week supervised combined exercise program on depressive symptoms in people with RMD compared to a treatment-as-usual (TAU) group.
Method
This randomized, single-blind, controlled experimental trial will include 70 adults (≥ 18 years old) with RMD. Participants randomized to an exercise intervention or a TAU group will be assessed at baseline and after a three-month intervention period. The primary variable will be participants’ depressive symptoms measured with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Secondary outcome variables will include cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake through peak cardiopulmonary exercise test), body composition (bioimpedance and anthropometric variables), physical activity level (the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (the Short Form – 36 Health Survey), functional outcome (the Sheehan Disability Scale and Quality of Life in Depression Scale), overall disease severity (the Clinical Global Impression Scale – Severity of Illness), and biochemical variables (a fasting blood sample).
Discussion
This study will try to answer whether a supervised co-adjuvant combined (aerobic and resistance training) exercise program will help the prognosis of this population with RMD.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05136027. Last public release on 12/13/2023
Plant-pollinator network in a vereda ecosystem: Tree and non-tree species differ in their temporal importance
Authors: Santos Raissa Tais , Moreira Suzana Neves , Nunes Yule Roberta Ferreira , Azevedo Islaine Franciely , Alcântara Daniel Máximo Correa , Araújo Walter Santos , Souza Camila Silveira
Published: December 2024

Ecological interactions are fundamental to community structure and ecosystem functioning. Due to temporal variation in resource availability, it is important to understand how these interactions vary in different seasons. We investigated plant-pollinator interactions in a vereda formation to understand how interactions vary temporally, and how the habit and floral attributes of plants and different groups of pollinators can contribute to the structure of the interaction network. The study was conducted in the Rio Pandeiros Environmental Protection Area (EPA Rio Pandeiros), on species from the plant community of vereda Almescla, located in the municipality of Bonito de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Collections were carried out in September 2022 and February 2023. Plant species with flowers were sampled, and their floral attributes were analyzed. The floral visitors had their behavior observed, were collected and stored for identification. We used mono - and multilayer ecological network analyses to understand how interactions are structured between seasons. As a result, dry season network was significantly more specialized, possibly due to lower resource availability. Overall, tree plants are more important for the multilayer network structure. However, when evaluated between seasons, non-tree plants were significantly more important in the rainy season to maintain pollinator diversity. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, using multilayer network analysis, how plant-pollinator interactions vary between seasons in vereda formation. We highlight the importance of asynchrony between tree and non-tree species in the availability of resources during different periods, which contributes to the maintenance of different groups of pollinators in both seasons.
Chronic endometritis and fertility: still a debatable issue
Authors: Isikoglu Mete , Çiftçioğlu Akif , Avcı Ayşenur
Published: December 2024

Purpose: We conducted this study to help elucidate the clinical relevance of CE with fertility.
Methods: Prospective cohort study including 60 patients undergoing hysteroscopy for various indications were triaged into three arms: patients with a history of implantation failure in IVF treatment constructed the first arm (#25), second arm included patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (#20) and the third group confined patients undergoing H/S for other indications (#15). Endometrial sampling was performed in all cases prior to starting the H/S procedure.
Results: Baseline characteristics, demographic variables and percentage of history of healthy deliveries were similar for the three groups. Twenty six (43%) patients were diagnosed with CE based on histopathologic assessment, and endometrial culture results were positive in only two (3.3%) cases. We found no difference in the incidence of CE among three groups.
Conclusion: CE may be among the probable reasons for reproductive disorders but strenous investigations should be reserved in limited cases whereas more probable reasons have been excluded.
Ameliorative action of probiotics on the neurotoxicological effect of Aluminium chloride and D-galactose
Authors: Dasriya Vaishali , Kumari Manorama , Ranveer Soniya , Behare Pradip , Puniya Anil Kumar
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC701 against AlCl3 and D-galactose (D-gal) -induced Alzheimer rat model. The dose of AlCl3 (50mg/kg body weight) and D-gal (100mg/kg bodyweight) for 7 days induced oxidative stress such as amyloid plaque deposition, neuroinflammation, and reduction of neurotransmitters in the brain. In contrast, the supplementation of NCDC701 improved the neurotransmitter levels, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, while decreased the amyloid peptide, pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as LPS in colon and brain. The recovery in amyloid plaque deposition and tissue injury was also confirmed by the histopathological examinations. The supplementation of NCDC701 also improved the decreased expression levels of intestinal tight junction proteins, inhibited the up-regulation of p65, COX-2 and iNOS expression, and improved gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, promoted beneficial microflora (Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Verrucomicrobia, Lactobacillus, and Prevotella), and suppressed the pathogenic microflora (Spirochaetes, Tenericutes, Prophyromonadaceae, Coprococcus, Clostridium, and Allobaculum) by increasing the concentration of butyrate and total SCFAs compared to the AlCl3 and D-gal treated model. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the effect of NCDC701 intervention on the gut–microbiome–brain axis and should aid future understanding of probiotics for improved host health.
MT2A Promotes Angiogenesis in Chronically Ischemic Brains through a Copper–Mitochondria Regulatory Mechanism
Authors: Mo Ni , Tai Chuyang , Yang Yang , Ling Cong , Zhang Baoyu , Yao Ci'an , Wei Lei , Wang Hui , Chen Chuan
Published: December 2024

Background
Recent studies have indicated that copper overload (CPO) has cytotoxic effects, and metallothionein 2A (MT2A) has a high affinity for metal ions. However, it is unclear whether MT2A can normalize endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and angiogenesis in chronically ischemic brains by neutralizing excessive copper ions during CPO.
Methods
Dura matter (DM) samples from patients with chronic ischemic cerebrovascular disease were collected, and the expression of cuproptosis-related genes (DLAT, FDX1 and SDHB) was determined. CPO in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was induced by elesclomol and CuCl2. HUVEC activity under hypoxia and the structure and function of mitochondria were compared among groups with different copper ion concentrations and different MT2A expression levels. Furthermore, a rat model of 2-vessel occlusion plus encephalo-myo-synangiosis (2VO + EMS) with CPO was established to explore the ability of MT2A to promote angiogenesis through a copper–mitochondria regulatory mechanism in chronically ischemic brains.
Results
Compared with those from Matsushima grade A patients, DM samples from Matsushima grade C patients presented significantly greater DLAT and FDX1 expression and significantly lower SDHB expression. HUVEC activity under hypoxia was significantly decreased in the CPO group. DLAT oligomerization was increased and SDHB expression was significantly decreased in the CPO group. Mitochondrial aberrations were significantly more common and mitochondrial activity was significantly lower in the CPO group than in the control group. MT2A overexpression alleviated the impairment of HUVEC activity and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by CPO. In vivo, CPO inhibited cerebral angiogenesis in 2VO + EMS model rats. CD31 expression was significantly greater in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group. DLAT accumulation was significantly less common in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group. Less mitochondrial swelling and fewer vacuoles were observed in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group. Cerebral blood perfusion (CBP) and performance in the Morris water maze test were better in the CPOMT2A+ group than in the CPO group.
Conclusion
CPO inhibits EC proliferation and angiogenesis by impairing mitochondrial structure and function, whereas MT2A promotes EC proliferation and angiogenesis by neutralizing excessive copper ions and rescuing mitochondrial function.
Prognostic significance of lymphovascular invasion in pN0 stage gastric cancer: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Jiao Xuguang , Wang Yu , Fu Hao , Liu Yongning , Qu Jianjun , Fu Weihua
Published: December 2024

Background
To explore the potential impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on overall survival (OS) of pN0 stage gastric cancer (GC) after curative resection.
Methods
A total of 497 GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy and postoperative pathology proved negative lymph node metastasis between January 2015 and December 2018 in our center were enrolled in this study. All patients were divided into two groups according to the status of LVI. Their clinical and pathological features were compared between two groups and potential prognostic factors were analyzed using the propensity score matching analysis (PSM).
Results
Ninety-nine (19.9%) patients had LVI. Patients with LVI had worse survival outcomes both in the entire and PSM cohort (χ2 = 19.635, p<0.001; χ2 = 9.367 p = 0.002). After PSM, data of 99 pairs of patients were extracted. Multivariate analysis revealed that number of examined lymph nodes (LNs), and LVI were independent predictors of OS (all p < 0.05). Following stratified analysis, patients with LNs 11–25 and those without LVI tended to have better OS than those with LVI (LNs 11–15:χ2 = 5.019, p = 0.0.025; LNs 16–25:χ2 = 11.876, p = 0.0.001).
Conclusions
pN0 stage GC patients with LVI have poor prognosis. More than 15 lymph nodes need to be dissected to reduce the influence of LVI on the prognosis of pN0 stage GC patients.
Intelligent Recognition and Pricing System of Deep Learning Model by Integrated Development
Authors: Yunfei Wang , Yaping Li
Published: December 2024

The paper presents an intelligent recognition and pricing system designed with centralized training and decentralized invocation of deep learning model, enhancing automation level of product recognition and weighing in retail industry, optimizing shopping experience. The system integrates cameras, electronic scales, and thermal printers, leveraging cloud-based deep learning technologies to facilitate Intelligently product recognition. Research methods involves constructing a convolutional neural network model on cloud, conducting centralized training and validation on fruit and vegetable images, and subsequently uploading product images locally to invoke cloud-based recognition results. Result reveal that the system achieves a recognition accuracy of no less than 95% for 30 distinct types fruits and vegetables. This study not only validates the feasibility and accuracy of cloud-based deep learning models in product recognition, marking an Integrated innovation of artificial intelligence in retail, but also fosters large-scale application of artificial intelligence.
Study on the Influence of Green Information Disclosure Quality of Chinese Heavy Polluting Enterprises on Corporate Financing--Comparative Test Based on "Real Green" and "Fake Green"
Authors: Gu Chunxia , Shen Meixia
Published: December 2024

As an important part of the process of sustainable development, the quality of green information disclosure of enterprises is crucial. Employing the data of 784 listed companies in the heavy pollution industries between 2015 and 2022, this paper applies the fixed effect regression model to reveal the impact of corporate environmental information disclosure behavior on corporate financing from the two dimensions of "quantity" and "quality" of green information disclosure. According to the content of enterprise green information disclosure, it can be divided into "Real green" behavior and "Fake green" behavior. Results show that: Higher quality of green information disclosure positively promotes corporate financing; Compared with the "Fake green", the "Real green" behavior of enterprises has a more significant promoting effect on financing; There is a significant mediating effect of the green reputation on corporate environmental information disclosure quality and the financing; Further, the quality of green information disclosure of state ownership enterprises, central regions and large-scale enterprises has a more significant impact on financing.
Efficient Controller design for optimal stabilization and synchronization of incommensurate non-integer order chaotic systems
Authors: Djari Abdelhamid , Djabri Riadh , Bouarroudj Noureddine , Houam Yehya , Bettayeb Maamar , Agajie Takele Ferede
Published: December 2024

Given the wide-ranging presence of chaotic systems in nature and technology , it is crucial for researchers to develop versatile and effective control designs to ensure the stability and synchronization of these non-linear complex systems. For this reason, this study proposes a novel efficient control using the Fractional-Order backstepping technique tuned by Genetic Algorithm optimization method to guarantee the stability and synchronization of incommensurate non-integer order chaotic systems. The genetic algorithm aims to minimize the control energy for both stability and synchronization of the two studied non-identical non-integer order chaotic systems configured in a master-slave form. The stability analysis in this study is based on the Mittag-Leffler principle to stabilize each subsystem, using chosen candidate functions that include fractional-order derivative terms. This makes the approach well-suited for Lyapunov stability analysis of the whole system. The results of applying the proposed control approach on non-integer form of Duffing-Holmes system and Van-der Pol oscillator show that the desired stability around the equilibrium point of these simulated non-identical chaotic systems was successfully achieved for different initial conditions. Simultaneously , zero synchronization error (e=0) between these two chaotic systems was ensured, thereby fulfilling the synchronization condition. This paper confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, which integrates the fractional-order backstepping technique with a genetic algorithm, in achieving both stabilization and synchronization of incommensurate non-integer order chaotic systems under varying initial conditions.
Leveraging Institutions for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Shin Kotbee
Published: December 2024

This study analyzes the impacts of institutional quality on CO2 emissions for Korea, using an autoregressive distributed lags model. We investigate the long-run relationship between CO2 emissions, economic growth, energy consumption, renewable energy consumption, and various dimensions of institutional quality. Our findings suggest that improvement of selected dimensions of institutional quality, including control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law and voice and accountability, can significantly contribute to CO2 emissions reduction. The results also support the validity of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and Korea has reached the turning point of CO2 emissions decline accompanied by economic growth. The analysis also indicates that renewable energy consumption has a positive impact on reducing CO2 emissions. These results underscore the critical role of effective institutions in fostering sustainable economic development and environmental protection in South Korea.
JEL Classification: Q51, Q56, E02, O44
The effect of students’ attitudes towards elderly patients on patients satisfaction with Removable complete dentures
Authors: AlHakim Rama , AlKhouli Muaaz , Hajeer Mohammad Younis , Al-Saadi Mohannad H.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Elderly patients’ satisfaction with removable complete dentures (RCDs) is very challenging to be achieved. One important influencing factor is the interpersonal-formed relationship during the treatment. This study investigates a student-patient relation while fabricating RCDs. It assesses the effects of dental students’ attitudes towards the elderly people on patients’ satisfaction outcome.
Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal study followed up complete-edentulous patients, aged 50 years and over, who received upon the end of treatment newly fabricated RCDs by undergraduate students. All RCDs were objectively evaluated by expert examiners, and only those of high ratings, scoring above 80%, were included (N=533). Students’ attitudes towards elderly people were assessed using the Kogan’s scale (KAOP). Patient’s satisfaction was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) after one month of using the dentures.
Results: A weak-positive but significant correlation was found between students’ scores on the KAOP scale and elderly patients’ satisfaction with the dentures. Significant differences were noted in patients’ satisfaction with their RCDs between different students’ attitude groups, in favor of positive/slightly positive attitude groups.
Discussion: Students’ attitudes toward elderly people reflected on their behavior and communication while treating elderly patients. That, in turn, affected patients’ satisfaction with the dentures; as the dentist-patient relationship is a significant influencing factor.
Conclusion: Differences in elderly patients’ satisfaction with good quality RCDs fabricated by undergraduate students can be attributed to students’ attitudes toward elderly people; the more-positive attitudes the students have, the higher satisfaction their patients report.
Bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes in emergency departments: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Yamanaka Takahiro , Yamamoto Ryo , Yajima Keitaro , Yamashita Ikutaro , Kurihara Tomohiro , Kujirai Dai , Moritani Kazunori , Kamikura Hanae , Koh Hidefumi , Sasaki Junichi
Published: December 2024

Background: Ultrasound is frequently used in emergency departments (ED) for patient evaluation and diagnosis. While concerns exist regarding probe contamination due to exposure to body fluids and blood, the specific rate and impact of such contamination in clinical settings remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes in the ED, focusing on the types of hospitals and reprocessing methods used.
Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted between April and September 2023 at a university hospital, a nonacademic tertiary hospital, and a regional hospital. Samples were collected from phased-array, linear, and convex ultrasound probes used on ED patients. Reprocessing methods included water-moistened wipes alone, water-moistened wipes with ethanol wipes, quaternary ammonium wipes alone, and quaternary ammonium wipes with ethanol or hypochlorite wipes. The primary outcome was the level of bacterial contamination, measured by colony-forming units (CFU). Additionally, resistant bacterial strains and blood contamination were evaluated.
Results: The median CFU was 10 (IQR: 0–50) at the university hospital, 40 (IQR: 10–135) at the nonacademic tertiary hospital, and 30 (IQR: 1–95) at the regional hospital. By reprocessing method, the median CFU was 20 (IQR: 1–90) for water-moistened wipes alone, 10 (IQR: 0–20) for water-moistened wipes and additional ethanol wipe, 90 (IQR: 40–180) for quaternary ammonium wipes alone, and 20 (IQR: 1–50) for quaternary ammonium wipe and additional ethanol or hypochlorite wipe. Resistant bacterial strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, were found on 18.2% of probes. Blood contamination was identified at all facilities.
Conclusions: High levels of bacterial contamination were observed on ultrasound probes in the ED, regardless of facility type and reprocessing method. Resistant bacterial strains and blood contamination were also frequently detected.
Partial charges on Fe and Gd atoms and isomer shift in MgCu 2 type compounds
Authors: Vummethala Seshu Bai , Thottathil Akhil , Bhattacharya Devaparna , Pillai Rajasekharan Thankappan
Published: December 2024

Partial charges on atoms can clarify the nature of bonding in crystalline solids. Charges cannot be measured in intermetallic solids; DFT based QTAIM technique has been used to derive Bader (δ) charges. In the present work, 183 Laves phase compounds of MgCu2 type crystal structure are investigated and the partial charges (Q) on the ions in the compounds are derived from internal radii, following the atom-pair bond method reported recently. The charge values obtained by the two methods are evaluated by studying their ability to predict the variation of 57Fe and 155 Gd Mossbauer isomer shift, as a function of the calculated charges on the Fe and Gd atoms in the compounds. Further, the basic conclusions from the APB model are confirmed by visualizing the bonding in MgCu2 type compounds using the Electron Localization Function (ELF), employing CASTEP software.
Evaluating the quality factors affecting patient satisfaction via the Kano model
Authors: Zhou Xinyi , Zhao Miaomiao , Li Ruyu , Kong Xinru , Jiang Xiaobin , Ma Qiang , Gao Yuexia
Published: December 2024

Objectives
This study was to use the Kano model to explore inpatients’ medical service demands better, as satisfactory services for inpatients in public hospitals could effectively increase their compliance with services, ultimately enhancing the medical service quality and patient loyalty in public hospitals.
Methods
The survey was conducted from January to June 2023 among patients from 15 departments discharged from a tertiary hospital. Through the collected data of hospitalized patients, we introduced traditional Kano model analysis, important-satisfaction matrix analysis as well as an "in-line-of-sight" approach to explore the effect of different services on inpatients’ satisfaction.
Results
Our study adopted the method of convenient sampling and selected 336 inpatients from a public hospital in China for investigation. The analysis revealed that five of the 28 services were classified as “must-be attributes” (visit process, consistent information, privacy protection, informed consent, clear sign), 12 as “one-dimensional attributes” (appointment, convenient process, timely disposal, attention feelings, initiative, communication, etc.), 9 as “attractive attributes” (coordination service, convenient multidisciplinary coordination, timely service, patient participation, active care, dietary service), and 2 as “indifferent attributes” (personalized service, collaborative service). Optimized method results of Kano show that healthcare professional active care boosts satisfaction, and it is no need for major improvement; Disrespect would lead to dissatisfaction among inpatients.. For males, top concern is informed consent realization, then continuous information service from medical staff. Female patients have a medical service demand hierarchy, top is informed consent respect, then privacy protection and consistent team work.
Conclusions
From the traditional Kano attribute classification perspective, attractive and expected services are crucial as they maximize patients' service experience. The optimized classification method enables us to identify the service items that public hospitals should prioritize for improvement, achieving the best results.
Plant-based chocolate desserts: analysis of consumer’s response according to sensory properties of products and consumer attitude towards meat reduction
Authors: Fontana Franco Darío Della , López-Font Gabriel , Djemaa Moussaoui , Goldner María Cristina , Chaya Carolina
Published: December 2024

Brea gum is a food additive with potential for economic and environmental sustainability. It may be used in plant-based formulations, such as chocolate desserts, but achieving acceptable sensory characteristics remains challenging. Therefore, the aim was to compare consumers’ response to two plant-based chocolate desserts, on blind and informed conditions about the ingredient formulation. Two plant-based chocolate desserts were used: one made with Brea Gum and Black Carob flour (BG) and a Commercial Soy chocolate dessert (CS). Eight trained judges characterized the sensory properties of both products. 103 consumers (female = 62, aged between 18 and 45) tasted on blind and informed conditions both products and rated their overall liking, and their liking of appearance, odour, texture, sweetness, flavour and vegetable aftertaste. Purchase intention and healthy, processed and sustainable perception were rated too. Participants also completed a questionnaire about attitudes towards reducing meat consumption. BG was described as grittier and with intense vegetal odour and aftertaste, while the CS was described as sweeter, browner and more consistent (p < 0.05). Acceptability was significantly higher in CS than BG (7.1 ± 1.6 and 4.9 ± 2.2, respectively, p < 0.05). BG was perceived as more sustainable than CS (6.6 ± 2.3, 6.1 ± 2.2, respectively; p < 0.05). Information about the samples did not show a significant effect on acceptability. Supporters of meat reduction showed higher acceptability for both desserts than rejecters. Both plant-based desserts’ acceptability was strongly influenced by intrinsic sensory characteristics and by consumers’ attitude towards meat reduction. Improvements in sensory attributes need further development.
A brain-inspired algorithm improves “cocktail party” listening for individuals with hearing loss
Authors: Boyd Alexander , Sen Kamal , Best Virginia
Published: December 2024

Selective listening in competing-talker situations (restaurants, parties, etc.) is an extraordinarily difficult task for many people. For individuals with hearing loss, this difficulty can be so extreme that it seriously impedes communication and participation in daily life. Directional filtering is one of the only proven ways to improve speech understanding in competition, and most hearing devices now incorporate some kind of directional technology, although real-world benefits are modest, and many approaches fail in competing-talker situations. We recently developed a biologically inspired algorithm that is capable of very narrow spatial tuning and can isolate one talker from a mixture of talkers. The algorithm is based on a hierarchical network model of the auditory system, in which binaural sound inputs drive populations of neurons tuned to specific spatial locations and frequencies, and the spiking responses of neurons in the output layer are reconstructed into audible waveforms. Here we evaluated the algorithm in a group of adults with sensorineural hearing loss, using a challenging competing-talker task. The biologically inspired algorithm led to robust intelligibility gains under conditions in which a standard beamforming approach failed. The results provide compelling support for the potential benefits of biologically inspired algorithms for assisting individuals with hearing loss in “cocktail party” situations.
Born in a brothel: New perspectives on childcare with medieval sex workers
Authors: Poulain Maxime , Bon Céline , Palmer Jessica
Published: December 2024

In contrast to predominant narratives of abortion and infanticide with medieval sex workers, this case study testifies to the potential care attributed to prostitutes’ children. It does so through ancient DNA and dietary isotope analysis of an infant buried in a 14th -century brothel in Aalst, Belgium. While no pathogens were identified, elevated δ15N values point in the direction of breastfeeding. Infanticide in strictest understanding of the term, immediately after birth, is therefore highly unlikely. The presence of this infant outside of a regular cemetery is nonetheless remarkable. Based on comparable sites and theological and popular beliefs, this deviant burial is subsequently interpreted within its domestic geography, which is suggestive of attachment and an affective bond between parent and child. In doing so, we nuance the historical focus on abortion and infanticide with medieval sex workers and highlight the multiple roles of these women, of which a caring mother potentially is one.
Elucidating altered neural molecular mechanisms in mice using transcriptomics underlying metabolic disorders induced cognitive and depressive disorders
Authors: Singh Sachin , Singh Nitesh Kumar , Kottappali SriVidya , Bhat Unis Ahmad , Sowpati Divya Tej , Chakravarty Sumana , Kumar Arvind
Published: December 2024

Metabolic disorders (MetDs)are growing at an alarming rate because of lifestyle changes and have cardiovascular and cerebrovascular consequences, in the long run resulting in neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is a dearth of molecular studies that deal with the underlying neural mechanisms using relevant animal models of MetDs-induced neurological and psychiatric disorders. We modeled MetDs-like condition in C57BL/6 Ncrl mice by feeding a 60% high fructose diet (Hfr) for 56 weeks. Significant changes were observed in various MetD-related physiological parameters between the Hfr diet and the control group except for glucose intolerance. Prolong Hfr diet induced some of the metabolic disorder like phenotype including aging except type-2 diabetes. But 10 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) paradigm induced mild insulin intolerance in oral glucose tolerance test. Further the animals were found to develop neurological and cognitive impairment and major depressive disorder like phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis led to uncover underlying molecular changes into the prefrontal cortex region of mice. The pattern of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was strikingly different in the Hfr group compared to the Ctrl group, thus correlating the phenotype, i.e. MetD-induced mood and cognitive disorders. Pathway analysis of the DEGs indicated perturbations in cellular metabolism, inflammation, innate immunity, neurogenesis, vasculogenesis, ion channels, and neuronal signaling. In addition, altered epigenetic regulators appear to mediate the stress-induced precipitation of metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. The outcome of our study supports the hypothesis of disease susceptibility due to lifestyle changes involving a high-calorie diet and chronic stress.
Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals the Profile of Fungal Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients: a retrosective study
Authors: Wang Qin , Ding Handong , Zhao Yazi , Hao Zongyao , Liao Guiyi
Published: December 2024

Background
Infection is an important cause of death after kidney transplant surgery. Although fungal infections are relatively rare, they have low detection rates and high mortality rates. The value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in kidney transplant patients with fungal infections remains to be studied, especially in diagnosis and to guide the use of antibiotics.
Methods
From September 2021 to August 2023, a total of 234 patients after kidney transplantation were enrolled, and data of 66 patients with suspected fungal infections were collected. The pathogen detection performance of mNGS and conventional microbiological tests (CMTs) were compared. The impacts of mNGS and CMTs on treatment adjustment were also assessed. Finally, we explored the value of mNGS in donor-derived infections.
Results
A total of 21 fungal species were detected in the 66 patients, of which 18 species of fungus were detected by mNGS and 10 species of fungus were detected by CMTs. mNGS was significantly higher than culture in total positive rate (90.67% vs. 26.67%), especially for multiple fungal infections (9vs0). mNGS identified more candida (26vs12), pneumocystis jirovecii (14vs0), aspergillus (10vs4), mucor (6vs2) organisms compared with CMTs. Fungi from donors were identified in 11(6.7%) patients, including 10 cases of Candida spp. and 1 case of Mucor spp. The anti-infection therapies were adjusted in 28 (24.4%) cases by mNGS.
Conclusion
The mNGS technique showed distinct advantages in detecting fungal infections in kidney transplant patients, which can guide anti-infection strategies and protect grafts. In addition, it has a good identification value for fungal infections from donor sources.
Long-term survival analysis based on tumor location in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent pancreatectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kaluba Benson , Kuriyama Naohisa , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Komatsubara Haruna , Maeda Koki , Noguchi Daisuke , Gyoten Kazuyuki , Ito Takahiro , Hayasaki Aoi , Fujii Takehiro , Iizawa Yusuke , Murata Yasuhiro , Tanemura Akihiro , Kishiwada Masashi , Mizuno Shugo
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The study aimed at assessing whether long-term survival outcomes were different based on tumor location in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent pancreatectomy following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).
Methods
286 patients with localized PDAC were enrolled and divided as head (Ph = 218), body (Pb = 34) and tail (Pt = 34). 5-year survival analyses were performed and independent predictors of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were identified.
Results
Ph patients exhibited a higher incidence of initial clinical stage 3 tumors (48.2%) compared to Pb (29.4%) and Pt (0%), p < 0.001 with more UR-LA cases (22.0%) compared to Pb (11.8%) and Pt (0%), p < 0.001. However, they demonstrated a better response to CRT; Evans grades 3/4 in 49.1% Ph vs. 23.5% Pb and 26.5% Pt, p = 0.015. 5-year DFS were; 26.4% (Ph) vs. 16.5% (Pb) vs. 33.1 (Pt), p = 0.691 and OS; 25.4% (Ph) vs. 27.7% (Pb) vs. 32.0% (Pt), p = 0.341. Significant predictors for both DFS and OS included CA19-9 levels, resection margins and pathological portal vein invasion, with tumor size and nodal invasion also influencing DFS, while pathological stage impacting OS.
Conclusion
Based on tumor location, long-term survival outcomes were comparable and was attributed to a better response to CRT by Ph than the Pb and Pt patients.
RETRACTED: Synergistic Roles of Selenium and Vitamin D in Modulating Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health
Authors: Salduz Zeyneb İrem Yuksel , Özder Aclan , Turgut Rana , Yıldız Tuğçe , Pasin Özge
Published: December 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.